You may have heard of the well-known phrase “having a mid-life crisis.” But did you know that there is such a thing as a “quarter-life crisis?” What exactly is this?
A quarter-life crisis is a recent phenomenon that young adults are facing. Typically occurring in the mid-20s to early 30s, this period is known for increased feelings of uncertainty, self-doubt, and confusion about the future. This time period is all about finding one’s way in the world and the anxiety it causes. Here are 5 signs you may be experiencing a quarter-life crisis:
1. Overwhelming Uncertainty
One of the most common signs of a quarter-life crisis is an intense fear about your future. This may look like anxiety over your chosen career path, doubts about your personal goals, or confusion about close relationships. Additionally, you may find yourself constantly questioning your decisions and worrying that you are not on the right track.
For many, this uncertainty stems from the societal pressure of needing to have things figured out by a certain age. When these expectations do not align with reality, it can make you feel like a failure. You might fear that you are falling behind others who are in a similar stage of life, or that you will never find your way in the world.
2. Dissatisfaction With Your Current Career Path
Within your chosen career, you may start to feel unfulfilled, bored, or trapped. No matter how much effort you put in, you may still lack the passion needed to be successful. When there is no passion for your work, you may question your purpose.
This can be extremely frustrating if you’ve already invested time and resources into education and career. You may question, did I enter into the right career? What if I continue to make the wrong choices? These spiraling thoughts and looming anxiety can be paralyzing, leaving you stuck in a job that brings no joy.
3. Feeling Left Behind
In today’s age, it can be so easy to compare your life progress with others. If you find yourself constantly measuring your success against your peers, you might be experiencing a quarter-life crisis. Social media platforms are flooded with images of success. When you compare your status to those around you, you can start feeling left behind.
Social expectations only enhance these feelings of inadequacy. In the previous generation, it was pretty common for people to own houses, have stable jobs, and start a family by the time they were 30. Today is a new world, but these expectations still linger as we compare our success to that of our caregivers when they were our age.
4. Questioning Your Relationships
During a quarter-life crisis, you may start to reassess the people in your life, and wonder if your relationships are truly fulfilling or aligning with your goals. In romantic relationships, this may look like fear of commitment or settling down. In friendships, you could feel disconnected or out of sync with people you once felt close to. This may lead to intense loneliness or social isolation.
You are also transitioning from the carefree days of early adulthood to taking on more responsibilities as an older adult. This starts to change the way we engage socially with others.
5. A Desire for a Major Life Change
You may start to experience the desire to move to a new city, start a new career, end long-term relationships, or make changes to your physical appearance. The urge to change often stems from the need to break free from your current lifestyle and escape the uncomfortable feelings brought on by uncertainty. While change can be positive, it’s important to consider whether these desires are fueled by personal growth, or avoidance of confronting deeper issues.
If you find yourself experiencing a quarter-life crisis, seek support from a mental health professional. At Therapy for Women, we specialize in working with young adults in their 20s and 30s. We can help navigate this challenging time period and provide resources for coping with looming anxiety.
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