But in 2025, these traditional benchmarks are increasingly being delayed, redefined, or skipped altogether. As people approach the age of 30, the question “What does it mean to be an adult?” is more complex than ever. The shifting milestones of adulthood have become a reflection not just of personal choices but of broader societal and economic forces.
A recent study by GWI dives deep into the evolving landscape of adulthood, exploring how social, cultural, and economic changes have influenced what we now consider major life markers. Their insights shed light on a reality that many 30-somethings face: financial instability, housing insecurity, and career uncertainty have restructured the typical timeline. As a result, the milestones of adulthood are no longer universal—they are contextual, fluid, and deeply personal.
Financial Stability: A Delayed Dream
Owning property was once seen as a key indicator of having “made it” into adulthood. However, skyrocketing house prices and stagnant wages have made this milestone increasingly unattainable for younger generations. According to UK housing data, the average age of a first-time homebuyer has risen from 27 in the 1990s to over 34 today. Even those who manage to save for a deposit often do so with significant help from family, highlighting the growing wealth gap.
The reality for many adults approaching 30 is renting, moving frequently, or living with parents. This shift has a ripple effect: without the security of a permanent home, other decisions such as marriage or starting a family are often postponed. The financial climate has made it difficult for many to build the foundation traditionally associated with adulthood.
Career Fulfillment vs. Job Security
Another major milestone, finding a stable and fulfilling career, has undergone a seismic shift. The rise of the gig economy, remote work, and side hustles has redefined what it means to be employed. While these new models offer flexibility, they often come at the cost of job security, benefits, and long-term career growth.
For many in their late twenties, the pursuit of passion is balanced against the reality of paying the bills. This generation is more likely to change jobs frequently, seek out freelance opportunities, or launch entrepreneurial ventures. While such paths can be empowering, they also contribute to a sense of instability that complicates other life decisions.
Relationships and Family Life: Changing Priorities
Marriage and parenthood are still seen as key markers of adulthood, but they are happening later, if at all. Cultural shifts around gender roles, career ambitions, and personal fulfillment have led many to question traditional timelines. In the UK, the average age for marriage is now over 32, and the average age for first-time mothers is nearly 31.
For some, these delays are by choice, prioritising self-development or career advancement. For others, they are circumstantial, driven by financial limitations or lack of suitable partners. Either way, the timeline for building a family has become more flexible and less defined by age or societal expectations.
Mental Health and Personal Growth
One often overlooked milestone is achieving emotional maturity and self-awareness. As conversations around mental health become more mainstream, many adults are now placing greater value on therapy, mindfulness, and personal development. Turning 30 is increasingly seen as a time for internal alignment rather than just external achievements.
This shift reflects a broader societal recognition that adulthood isn’t solely defined by ticking off boxes on a checklist. It’s also about knowing oneself, building resilience, and developing the emotional tools to navigate an unpredictable world. For many, these are the most important milestones of adulthood—even if they don’t come with a certificate or celebration.
The Role of Technology in Adulthood
Technology has changed not only how we work but also how we socialize, date, and learn. For millennials and Gen Z, adulthood has been accompanied by a digital transformation that influences every life stage. From online education and remote careers to digital banking and dating apps, the way we reach traditional milestones is now mediated by screens.
While technology offers unprecedented access and convenience, it also introduces new pressures. The constant comparison on social media can lead to anxiety and a sense of inadequacy when one’s milestones don’t align with others’. Navigating adulthood in the digital age requires a new set of skills—digital literacy, media mindfulness, and the ability to disconnect.
A Global Perspective: Adulthood Across Borders
Interestingly, the milestones of adulthood vary significantly across cultures and countries. In some parts of the world, economic instability has forced entire generations to reconsider what adulthood looks like. In others, cultural traditions continue to emphasize early marriage or multigenerational living.
As the GWI research suggests, the very concept of adulthood is becoming more individualized. Globalisation, migration, and cross-cultural exchange have all contributed to a more fluid understanding of what it means to “grow up.”
Redefining Success in Your 30s
Success is no longer universally measured by a mortgage, marriage, and children. For today’s 30-year-olds, success might look like launching a start-up, traveling the world, prioritizing mental health, or simply surviving in a volatile economy. The milestones of adulthood are evolving, shaped by both individual choices and the world we live in.
Rather than lamenting the loss of traditional markers, it’s time to celebrate this new diversity of paths. Turning 30 in today’s financial climate isn’t about being behind or ahead—it’s about being adaptable, self-aware, and resilient.
The modern adult may not own a home or have a pension plan, but they are navigating an increasingly complex world with resourcefulness and creativity. That, in itself, is a milestone worth recognising.