I really believe I get the point of the article, but I also think the numbers are arbitrary. I believe it is about the phase of life rather than the age. I have friends who started families and careers in their very early 20’s, and other friends who are now in their 50’s and have done neither. Certainly priorities can change as you age, but I wouldn’t characterize my 20’s as a time of no money, no career, and “oodles” of unscheduled time. If anything, I’ve spent all of my 20’s with very little free time precisely because I am trying to build a solid foundation for my life with the goal that maybe by my late 30’s I can take a little time off. I wasn’t in the army, but Julia Hubbel’s comment resounded with me. I spent ages 17–25 working full-time, establishing my career, and completing two degrees. Now, closer to 30, I teach a college class in addition to my full-time job. Sure, I don’t have kids at home, but I the last time I truly felt like I had free time (that wasn’t painstakingly rescheduled due to other priorities) was over a decade ago. Again to echo Julia, we all have different experiences. Regardless of the age or order of events, I think we all have a phase that we inevitably look back at longingly, when in fact our current season of life probably offers a lot to be grateful for.