13 Life Milestones That Used to Happen Earlier
Here's a look back at major life events that once occurred much sooner for previous generations compared to today.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Many conventional milestones have been pushed to later in life due to changing lifestyle choices and cultural expectations. What used to be usual in your early twenties could not happen at all or happen closer to thirty. These 13 milestones, which were previously earlier for previous generations, are listed along with the reasons why the timetable has altered.
1. Getting Married
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Couples once tied the knot in their late teens or early twenties. Marriage was seen as the first step into adulthood. Today, many wait until they’ve built careers or reached financial stability.
2. Buying a First Home
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Owning a home in your twenties was common for earlier generations. Lower housing costs and stable jobs made it possible.
3. Having Children
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Starting a family used to happen soon after marriage, often in the early twenties. Shifting priorities and higher living expenses have moved this milestone later.
4. Finishing Education
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High school or a quick stint in college was once the end of formal schooling for most. People moved straight into the workforce. Today, extended degrees and retraining programs keep many in school well into their twenties.
5. Getting a Driver’s License
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Teens used to rush to the DMV as soon as they turned 16. A license meant freedom and independence. Now, ride-sharing and public transit options make some teens delay driving altogether.
6. Landing a Long-Term Job
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In the past, young adults often started careers they’d keep for decades. Stability was valued over frequent job changes. The modern job market encourages more movement and exploration before settling down.
7. Moving Out of the Parents’ House
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Leaving home at 18 or 19 was once the norm. Affordable rent and entry-level wages made it feasible. Rising living costs have led many young adults to stay longer with family.
8. Retiring
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Retirement at 60 or even earlier was achievable for many due to pensions and steady savings. Longer life expectancy and shifting economic conditions mean people often work well past that age now.
9. Owning a Car
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Buying a personal vehicle was an early adult priority. It symbolized independence and responsibility. These days, the cost of ownership makes some wait, while others rely on alternatives.
10. Paying Off Student Loans
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Past generations often left school debt-free or paid off small loans quickly. Rising tuition has stretched repayment timelines to decades.
11. Achieving Financial Independence
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Young adults once covered all their own expenses shortly after starting work. Lower living costs made this possible early on. Today, it often takes years to reach full independence.
12. Becoming a Grandparent
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It wasn’t unusual for people to have grandchildren by their forties or early fifties. Later parenthood has shifted this milestone into the sixties or beyond.
13. Traveling Abroad
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International trips were sometimes part of early adulthood for those who could afford it. Cheaper airfare and simpler travel rules made it easier.