[tharne]

It may not feel like it now, but you did the right thing in your 20's. Those experiences you had and the memories that go with them will last you a lifetime, and you'll only appreciate them more, the older you get. You still have plenty of time to land that fat salary, even if it doesn't seem that way at the moment. Most people I know making large salaries didn't start doing so until they were older than you are now.

I ended up with the worst of both worlds, and am working my way out of the consequences now. I didn't travel at all in my twenties and worked my a* off in a low-paying field for too long before making a change in my 30's.

[dsauerbrun]

Agreed. The one year I took off to travel changed my life for the better. I became more comfortable socially and made friends all over the world that I try to see whenever I travel again. I found my love of rock climbing on that trip which also has proved to be a hobby that keeps me healthy and motivated to go outdoors.

It's not too late for you. Next time you switch jobs take 6 months off in between and go travel. Stay in hostels, have days where you do nothing at all, etc...