Writer Kate Berski's Journey From 30-Phobia To 30-Phenomenal

In the twilight of her 20s, Kate Berski found herself at a crossroads familiar to many: grappling with the societal construct that deems 30 a pivotal make-or-break age. But Berski's journey to success didn't pan out the way she expected — or follow the typical blueprint — which is why she’s encouraging other women to drop the false deadlines, bogus societal expectations, and outdated timelines that make young women feel like they’re failing at life when they’re not.

“Turning 30 felt like standing at the edge of a cliff,” recounts Berski. “You're expected to have your life perfectly mapped out by 30, but I felt like I didn’t have a single one of my ducks in a row. I had no savings, no ring on my finger or home to call my own, and no real sense of direction. Today at nearly 40, I’m getting there.”

As far as Berski is concerned, her life path and journey to success has been far from linear. And she only started to find her groove after turning 30, starting with a quarter-life-crisis-fueled pilgrimage to Australia at the age of 29. After issuing a failed marriage ultimatum to her then-boyfriend and burning out in an unrelenting advertising job, it was time for a radical change. “It wasn't about finding myself in the clichéd sense,” says Berski. “It was about unshackling myself from the weight of expectations — societal, familial, and personal — and figuring out what I actually wanted and needed out of life.”

This period of self-reflection began what Berski calls her “30-phenomenal era.” She embraced her 30s with renewed vigor, liberated from self-imposed and societal deadlines. “I didn't merely go from my 20s into my 30s. For me, they marked a turning point, the beginning of taking responsibility for my dreams and making them a reality. At 30, I wrote a new life plan. I wanted to travel the world, start a business, and find a partner to do life with. It fit me so much better than the traditional marriage-and-babies blueprint that I hadn’t thought to question before.”

Berski’s rise as a respected writer, content creator, and thought leader in her field didn't just happen by chance. Thorough introspection and deliberate preparation went into the process. “Success isn't a race against time; it's about reaching alignment with your true values,” she says. “For example, I wasn’t ever going to be happily chained to a desk working for someone else when freedom (and autonomy over my own time) is so core to my values. The life I live now as an exited entrepreneur — helping other women overcome their turning-30 fears and basing myself in whichever part of the world I choose— is a much more comfortable fit.” It’s no surprise that Berski’s Instagram account has blown up almost overnight. Her unique blend of relatable anecdotes, reassuring facts, and mindset hacks really seem to have connected with people.

“The Four Pillars of Personal Revolution” is one of Berski’s main tactics in helping women overcome life-goal anxieties and fight 30-phobia. Her 4 Step method is rooted in psychological research and advice from world-leading mindset and mental health professionals. “It starts with letting go of false deadlines and societal pressures, moving inward for self-reflection and self-validation, prioritizing mental health, and finally, making more proactive life choices,” according to Berski.

Berski raises her voice for young women as they face the challenges of a changing world while pursuing their professional dreams, maintaining healthy relationships, and discovering their own unique sense of self. “I want to tell every woman out there fearing their 30s: Your best years are not behind you. They are unfolding right now.” She continues, “It helps me to find role models, and many of the world’s most successful women found their purpose later in life.”

Berski considers the meaning of her journey: “At the age of 29, I would have laughed off the idea that my worst setbacks would eventually lead to my greatest successes. That truth is my compass now.”

It is refreshing and necessary to listen to Berski's story in an era where early achievements are often equated with success. It is a story about overcoming societal fears and reaching personal milestones. It flips the script on turning 30, transforming what many dread into a journey of self-discovery and relentless personal evolution.

The path to fulfillment doesn't have a finish line; Berski demonstrates this by redefining not only success but also the meaning of embracing life at every stage.

Kate is a researcher, writer, content creator, and founder of hair care brand Curlsmith. Follow her journey on Instagram: @kate.berski.

BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.