The Big 30
ELLE Singapore|November 2023
Turning 30 is a milestone that has been framed by pop culture over and over and over again.
FARISIA THANG
The Big 30

Modern media has always treated the topic as if it was the end of something significant — a time to wave the proverbial white flag. In the 1989 cult classic film When Harry Met Sally, Meg Ryan’s character is told, “You’re 31 years old and the clock is ticking.” In Something Borrowed, Ginnifer Goodwin’s character hears the line, “You’re 30, you can’t be picky.” Oh, and there is an entire Friends episode dedicated to each character’s 30th birthday.

I turn 30 this month. Contrary to popular sentiment, I have always been excited by the prospect of growing older, especially in my late twenties, but it feels different this time — largely because it is. It is the literal beginning of a new decade, and the anticipation of my 30th birthday makes me feel the way I feel every New Year’s Eve. Reflective and regretful, hopeful and cynical. I feel proud of the person I am, but I also feel like I’m not where I want to be. I don’t feel old yet I feel like I’m running out of time to do all the things I want to achieve. It feels like there are years of possibility ahead of me, but also that it’s too late to make any real change in my life. There’s a lot I feel like I should have done by now but I’m not even anywhere close. I’m not married. I have no kids. I don’t have my own place. Against all the measures of conventional success, I fall short in every way. But I also know I’m not the only one who feels like this.

This story is from the November 2023 edition of ELLE Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 2023 edition of ELLE Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ELLE SINGAPOREView All
Awakening After Adversity
ELLE Singapore

Awakening After Adversity

Author and wellness advocate JILL ALPHONSO says the one thing that breast cancer taught her was to prioritise herself-a lesson every young woman must learn.

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
Miami Vibes
ELLE Singapore

Miami Vibes

Urban art, dreamy beaches, Latin flavour...find out why these have made MIAMI a sought-after destination.

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
The Language Of Flowers
ELLE Singapore

The Language Of Flowers

Young designers are falling for the subversive power of a classic motif.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
The Joy Luck Club
ELLE Singapore

The Joy Luck Club

The duo behind YanYan takes play very seriously. Phyllis Chan and Suzzie Chung share how they are shaking up the world of knitwear while having absolute fun.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Wild West
ELLE Singapore

Wild West

For its latest collection, WEEKEND MAX MARA teams up with American actress Lucy Hale to embrace the season's rustic charm.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
Men Of The Hour
ELLE Singapore

Men Of The Hour

Fresh off the success of their drama, 4MINUTES, Thai actors Bible Wichapas Sumettikul and Jespipat Tilapornputt are on the cusp of international stardom.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
Conquer The Day
ELLE Singapore

Conquer The Day

As a versatile everyday watch with panache, LONGINES' new Conquest collection gets the job done very nicely.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Woman On A Mission
ELLE Singapore

Woman On A Mission

Rebecca Lim may have taken a step back from showbiz to settle into her new role as first-time mum, but the actress wants everyone to know that they haven't seen the last of Becks. She talks to ELLE about reconciling motherhood and career.

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
The Making Of An Icon
ELLE Singapore

The Making Of An Icon

"SHOUT, SHOUT, LET IT ALL OUT," sings Fann Wong as glittering creations from Buccellati are carefully put on her.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
Million Dollar Woman
ELLE Singapore

Million Dollar Woman

With her dazzling confidence and supermodel aura, GIGI HADID is the embodiment of Rabanne's new Million Gold For Her fragrance.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024