You’ve likely heard the term “midlife crisis,” which can occur in adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. But more recently, a similar phenomenon is gaining traction among adults in their mid-20s to early 30s, which experts have dubbed the “quarter-life crisis.” Read on to learn the signs that you may be having a quarter-life crisis.
You Want to Change Careers
If you’re having a quarter-life crisis, you may be questioning your job and whether it’s the career choice you wanted, or if you feel like you just “settled”. Now, before you pick up and quit (again), pause for a moment and weigh the pros and cons. For example, if you like your job’s benefits, or anything else about your job, try finding a hobby you enjoy to help fill the emotional gap that your work doesn’t provide you.
You Dread Your Birthday
When we were kids, birthdays were always a time of excitement. Even throughout our teens and early 20s, we couldn’t wait for the time when we were “old enough.” But if you’re having a quarter-life crisis, you may start dreading your birthday – not necessarily because you are aging but because you begin thinking about all the things you haven’t yet accomplished. The feeling is normal, but try to give yourself a little break! Life isn’t a race, after all.
You Feel Isolated and Left Out
During this time in your life, friends are busy and have less time for hangouts. Everyone is seemingly getting married, getting promoted, or traveling the world. During a quarter-life crisis, you may let these perceptions of everyone else’s lives consume you, and you can start to feel lonely, isolated, and insecure. And while it might seem like everyone is living their lives better than you, it’s important to remember that everyone has their own battles.
You Resort to Impulsive Behavior
Emotions are quite strong when experiencing a quarter-life crisis, which may cause impulsive behaviors. For example, when you feel overwhelmed at work, you might quit on a whim without thinking it through. Or when a problem occurs in your relationship, you break up due to the emotions you are feeling. Instead, try to breathe when you feel overwhelmed and take a moment to think about the consequences of your actions.
You Feel Depressed or Anxious
People experiencing a quarter-life crisis often experience depression and anxiety. The feeling that you haven’t “done enough” can make you feel depressed. The fear of the unknown can make you anxious. Instead of letting these emotions consume you, take a step back to look at your accomplishments, breathe, and enjoy the experiences life brings you. Everyone is on their own track.
Have you experienced a quarter-life crisis? Let us know in the comments below.