It’s almost the end of 2025, and I don’t know about you, but I’ve been feeling extremely reminiscent — of my childhood, of my first years in university, and even of everything I’m doing right now. Coming to the end of an era tends to make us quite nostalgic (I mean, at least for me), so it was only natural that a TikTok trend about taking opportunities in your twenties made it to my FYP — and I’m sure it’s made yours too.
A trend that emphasizes your twenties and encourages you to take chances you might not otherwise take, the trend uses the phrase “In your 20s, you’ll [insert opportunity here] and it’s very important that you do it,”. This phrase acts as a prompt for creators to share the unique and specific opportunities that they think viewers should seize, too. And, of course, it plays a mash-up of the most nostalgic songs of all time: “Piano Man” by Billy Joel, and “Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac (my gut is wrenched).
The trend is a reminder to not take opportunities, even those that seem challenging or daunting, for granted — because it’s likely something you’ll look back on one day and wish you could experience all over again. But why is taking opportunities in your twenties so important in the first place?
The “In Your 20s, There Will Be” Trend, Explained
I’ve been seeing this TikTok trend everywhere. And, as a girl in my twenties, it makes sense. It’s very common for those in their twenties to focus on the nostalgia of the past and the present before thinking twice about their future. Last weekend, I went to a party with my friends and couldn’t even properly enjoy it because I knew I’d miss that moment so much (how one manages to be nostalgic in real time, I don’t know).
This trend essentially prompts you to choose an opportunity or experience you want to share — like moving in with people you met on the first day of college, staying up all night to study for an exam, quitting a job that’s draining the life out of you, etc. Once you choose that experience, you encourage other people to take that opportunity, whether it’s taking the opportunity they took, or avoiding it.
As much as doing this trend feels nostalgic and liberating, just scrolling through them can, too. It not only guides you towards decisions that can set the foundation for your future self, but can also build risk-taking skills and develop personal agency. And let me tell you, I’ve scrolled through a lot of these TikToks.
7 Takes On The Trend That Might Just Change Your Entire Perspective
- “In your 20s, you’ll meet a random girl at uni and click, it’s very important that you see that friendship through.”
-
You might have the opportunity to make a lifelong friend — take the chance! I’m still living with the friends I made and clicked with in the first few days of university, and let me tell you it was so worth it.
- “In your early 20s, there will be a room that makes you feel like you’re too young, too inexperienced. It is very important that you stay in that room.”
-
I recently finished up an internship where I felt so inexperienced and small compared to everyone else. But that’s OK. You’re not meant to feel like an expert at something right away. You’re meant to learn and grow — that’s the whole point!
- “In your 20s, you’ll work a job that drains the life out of you. It’s important to grow and move on from that job.”
-
I met some of the most amazing people I would have never met if it weren’t for a toxic job I worked at for a while. It’s okay to take a step back from something that’s mentally exhausting. Sometimes you’re meant to have that experience and move on to bigger and better things.
- “In your 20s, there will be a plane that takes you away from home. It is very important that you get on that plane.”
-
I’m not sure I can relate to the plane part, but I moved a few good hours away from home for university, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Sometimes you have to take big strides and do things that make you scared in order to grow. But I definitely plan on letting a plane take me somewhere new someday!
- “In your 20s, there will be a time when someone will tell you that you can’t do something. It’s really important that you do it anyway.”
-
You’ll always have people doubting you; it’s an inevitable part of life. But you can take that doubt and let it fuel and encourage you to grow. Again, nobody is meant to be perfect at anything. But you have the ability to channel bad energy into good energy!
- “In your 20s, there will be a time where you’ll wonder if you should pursue graduate school. It is very important that you stop doubting yourself and get that degree.”
-
When I first started my degree, I didn’t know if it was something I could follow through on. Now in my final year, I’ve developed an amount of confidence in myself that I never thought existed. You can grow so much in school and learn so much about yourself. Get that degree, bestie!
- “In your 20s there will be a photobooth you pass by with your friends. It is very important you stop and take photos.”
-
This is something I’ll always stand by. They’re rare to find these days, but if you happen to stumble across a photobooth, no matter if your hair is messy or your makeup isn’t done, just take the picture. If there’s anything more nostalgic than photobooth pictures, it’s missing the opportunity to take one.
The thing about life, no matter if you’re in your twenties, or younger, or older — you just have to enjoy the moment. Take opportunities you wouldn’t normally take and allow yourself to have fun. That’s my favourite thing about this trend. It doesn’t matter what’s written in the prompt as long as it would be a healthy decision for your present self — and your future self.