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  • Published: 7 January 2025
  • ISBN: 9781761344879
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 304

Figuring Out Thirty

Decoding the decisive decade (and what really matters)




A refreshingly honest and reassuring account of turning thirty, from the host of the Figuring Out 30 podcast and bestselling author of How to Endo.

When Bridget Hustwaite blew out her thirtieth birthday candles, she had no idea of the profound changes that awaited her in this new decade. Instead of ticking off the traditional expectations (buy a house, get married, start a family), Bridget’s list of early thirties life moments looked wildly different to what she anticipated. Her long-term relationship of five years had just ended, she said goodbye to her dream job, was diagnosed with ADHD and became a lockdown dog mum. And that was just the beginning . . .

Figuring Out Thirty covers the big questions we ask ourselves as the defining decade looms. How do we know the decisions we’re making for our futures are the right ones for us, and not what society expects of us? Is marriage still relevant, and how do we decide if we want to have children – and when? Do our dream careers have expiration dates? And why do our friendships hit different now?

In her characteristically warm and relatable style, Bridget brings together collected wisdom from her hit podcast of the same name to deliver wide-ranging perspectives on crossing the threshold from our twenties to our thirties, and all that comes with it. Along the way she shares her frank, hard-earned lessons about what really matters at this time in our lives, and how we can navigate the ups and downs while staying true to ourselves. As you’ll discover, there is magic to be found in things not going exactly to plan.

'Funny, feminist and authentic.' Hannah Ferguson

'Refreshingly real.' Laura Henshaw

'A millennial's modern-day toolkit wrapped in a warm hug.' Maggie Zhou

  • Published: 7 January 2025
  • ISBN: 9781761344879
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 304

About the author

Bridget Hustwaite

Bridget Hustwaite is a presenter, bestselling author, podcaster and content creator. In her twenties, Hustwaite spent seven years at triple j including five years hosting her own national music program, ‘Good Nights’. Already a trusted voice in the Australian music industry, since entering her thirties, Bridget’s interest areas have expanded to include commentary on love, sex, career, fertility and more – all of which she explores in her popular podcast Figuring Out 30.

Bridget’s bestselling first book, How to Endo, details her experience with endometriosis. Bridget’s writing has also featured in Vogue Australia, Harper’s Bazaar Australia and the Sydney Morning Herald, and she makes regular appearances on national television programs such as the Today Show, Today Extra and The Project.

Originally from Ballarat, Bridget spent most of her twenties in Melbourne and recently relocated to sunny Fremantle, WA.

Praise for Figuring Out Thirty

In Figuring Out Thirty, Bridget examines the modern women’s experience with fresh eyes. This book is funny, feminist and authentic in exploring the questions we all harbour through some of the most confusing years of our lives. It's the big sister you need, blazing a trail that challenges the institutions, expectations and insecurities women and girls are facing.

Hannah Ferguson

No one likes admitting that they’re afraid of turning thirty, even though so many of us are. This book will validate your feelings – whether you’re approaching thirty and bricking it or feel like you have it all figured out. I steamed through it in one sitting. Bridget welcomes everyone in, and is generous in sharing her story, and wise in knowing it will help other women who are unlearning the script we’ve been told to memorise.

Lucinda ‘Froomes’ Price

Tender, heartfelt and joyful, Figuring Out Thirty is a millennial’s modern-day toolkit wrapped in a warm hug. This memoir-style self-help book is full of feeling and will leave you feeling seen and comforted. Bridget’s infectious personality and bright-eyed enthusiasm shines through, as do her honest and quiet self-reflections. It’s Bridget as you’ve never seen her before.

Maggie Zhou

A refreshingly real blueprint for the reality of turning thirty. So grateful for Bridget’s generosity in sharing so deeply – I felt so seen.

Laura Henshaw

Figuring Out Thirty will speak to so many of us when it comes to navigating life, love and loss! A vulnerable and honest book, and one we all need on our bedside tables.

Allira Potter

We’re excited for every milestone birthday, until the big 3-0 arrives . . . Why? Well, Bridget perfectly sums it up in this hilariously heart-touching, honest read.

Steph Claire Smith

Turning thirty is like realising no one really has it all figured out, and that’s okay. This book is your go-to for laughing, crying and feeling seen as you navigate the messy, beautiful chaos of figuring out life in your thirties.

Brooke Blurton

A relatable and enlightening guide to your thirties and why the decade is something to be embraced instead of feared.

Alexandra Hourigan and Sally McMullen, Two Broke Chicks

Despite no longer being in my 30s, I still found this book eminently readable, which I attribute to Hustwaite’s chatty style and intimate authorial voice. Her frankness made this feel like a conversation with a good friend . . . It’s for daughters, sisters, quarter-life crisis sufferers, the heartbroken, or anyone grappling with feeling like they’re not where they’d like to be in life.

Joanne Shiells, Books + Publishing
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