There’s something exhilarating about a compelling “You can do it!” narrative. Watching a woman rise from humble beginnings to achieve her dreams without worrying about her appearance—unless she chooses to—always ignites my ambition and inspires me to chase my current goals.
So, when Netflix premiered the first season of ‘Girlboss,’ which is inspired by Sophia Amoruso’s journey to creating the fashion brand Nasty Gal, I was eager to dive in. But as I watched, I began to question whether I was too old to draw inspiration from her story. Although I found her journey motivating, I couldn’t shake the feeling that being a 30-something admiring a 20-something was somehow… pathetic.
In the series, we witness her transformation from a lost soul to a passionate entrepreneur who overcomes setbacks and ultimately achieves her vision. She builds her empire from scratch—a bold and spirited character, sometimes emotionally volatile, but undeniably strong and determined. Her achievements are nothing short of impressive.
While I watched, I thought, “Absolutely! I want to channel that energy! She stands her ground and refuses to back down!” Yet, there was a realization that hit me hard: she is a free-spirited 20-something with her entire life ahead, while I’m 34, married with two children. My priorities have shifted; I have responsibilities that require my attention, and I can’t devote every waking hour to my aspirations like I might have once done.
I admit I indulged in a brief spell of self-pity—a “my dreams are too heavy to carry” kind of moment. I found myself reminiscing about my carefree days when I could stay up late strategizing my next big move, only to feel as if those times were behind me. I spent a little too long mourning the life that no longer belonged to me.
And then it struck me: I’m only 34, not finished yet! I can still set ambitious goals and strive for my dreams, albeit with adjusted expectations that accommodate my current life. Just because I’m a married mom doesn’t mean my aspirations have to fade away. It’s not as if my dreams were swept away alongside the delivery of my children. They are still very much alive and deserve pursuit with the same fervor I had in my 20s.
The reality is, it’s even more crucial for me to chase my dreams now, as my children are watching my every move. I want to be a role model for them. Recently, my 3-year-old son told me he wanted to grow up to be the sun. As any encouraging mom would, I told him he could achieve that dream if he truly wanted to. With wide-eyed innocence, he asked, “Mom, do you really think I can be the sun?” Without hesitation, I replied, “You can be anything you want!” While he may not literally become the sun, I hope he understands that dreaming big and pursuing those dreams is possible.
By chasing my aspirations in my 30s, I set an example for my kids that age is just a number, and being a parent doesn’t mean abandoning personal goals. It simply means making more thoughtful choices. You must consider others when planning your journey, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pursue what you love.
With little eyes observing my actions, I can teach them that anything is achievable at any stage of life, as long as you put in the effort and believe in yourself. Age doesn’t limit inspiration; it can flow in both directions. If I’m inspired by a vibrant 20-something, that’s perfectly fine, and I hope to inspire others in their 20s as I navigate my 30s. What matters most is to persevere, support one another, and turn dreams into reality.
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In summary, chasing dreams in your 30s is not only possible, but essential. Balancing responsibilities with aspirations sets a powerful example for the next generation, proving that hard work and self-belief can lead to achievement, regardless of age.