Why Are Our Formal Celebrations Not Linked To Academic Achievements?

Have you ever wondered why it is always our formal celebrations like births, marriages and religious ceremonies that are a bigger affair than celebrating our academic achievements or job promotions?

I have found this over the years anyway.  I was thinking about this a few weeks ago and thought I would reflect on it here so this may just be a load of ramble..

For me, I have always been quite late to the party when it comes to achievements so I thought maybe that was why they were never celebrated as much?  I also did a bit of research around the subject (I may be going off topic here but bear with me) so see how I compared with when we are 'supposed' to reach these major life milestones.

Yes I know comparison is the theft of joy but I'm not really bothered with comparison, this is just for fun!

MILESTONE                           AVERAGE    ME

First kiss                                      15              15
First full time job                        19              18
Pass driving test                          20              19
First holiday with friends            21              18
Buy first car (with own money)  22              21
First holiday with partner            23              19
Be Maid of Honour/Best Man     23             Never
Rent on your own                        24             Never
Get engaged                                 25             32
Live with partner                         25             30
Get married                                  27             35?
Buy first property                        27              24
Have first child                            28              36?
First house                                   29              31
Start earning average wage         30              23
Second child                                31              ?
Buy brand new car                       32             ?
Become a manager at work         34              32
Start a business                            35             26
Move to second house                 36              ?
Enjoy 2+ holidays per year          36             24
Earn in higher tax band                37            32
Buy property to let                       39            29
Retire                                           60             ?

So looking at that I don't feel too bad!  However, I kind of meant more in terms of graduating and settling down.  Those things I feel like I did a lot later and so there was never really any big celebrations but that's okay, it's just interesting how society dictates when and what we should celebrate.

What are your thoughts on the above?

Lauren xx

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