Whether you’re in a soul-sapping job, escaping to foreign climes, coming out as gay, finding love (or infatuation) – the 20s can be a tumultuous decade. Our readers take a look back

Life in the Charlatans meant my 20s didn’t really finish until I was about 36. What got me through was not taking things too seriously

We danced on tables and believed we could take over the world – and all the mistakes, failures and questionable decisions set me up for the security I’ve found in my 30s

Now I’m in my fifth decade, I’ve finally got some perspective. My advice is: go slow, be kind, and avoid leather trousers