A quarter-life crisis can sneak up on you. One minute you’re excited about your career and what life has to offer, and the next you look around and stress and anxiety are your main emotions.

You feel as if something is missing. That degree you have? Suddenly you don’t know if those four plus years were worth it. You don’t have your dream job. Everyone else seems to be killing it in their careers and personal lives, and you’re honestly thinking about quitting and moving to an island. Is this a midlife crisis minus the red convertible? No, this might be a quarter-life crisis. While not as widely recognised as the midlife crisis, the quarter-life crisis is still common. Popular career platform, LinkedIn, surveyed thousands of 25- to 33-year-olds from around the world and found that a staggering 75% of them have experienced a quarter-life crisis.

‘Sixty one per cent say finding a job or career they’re passionate about is the number-one cause. Another top reason is comparing themselves to their more successful friends,’ says LinkedIn of the results. Gone are the days where working at the same company for most of your career is the norm. In the 21st century, people entering the workforce are encouraged to get different experiences, and pivoting is now common.

But, does being spoiled for choice with what to do – get a job, change jobs, change careers, start your own business, study again, move abroad – perpetuate the quarter-life crisis? Analysis paralysis is when you overthink a situation to the point where you just can’t make up your mind. This can exacerbate the feelings of the quarter-life crisis with the added pressure of feeling as though you can’t move forward. Don’t worry, the quarter-life crisis is temporary, and there are steps that you can take to embrace this period of your life and come out as a better man. 

First, What Are The Emotional And Physical Signs Of A Quarter-Life Crisis?

According to the Quarterlife Center, there are a few symptoms of this psychological experience:

1. You have no idea what to do with your life, and you feel anxiety about choosing to either go on an adventure or settle down.

2. Making decisions is hard.

3. Your motivation has left the building and you’re often fatigued.

 4. You compare yourself to your peers.

Become Aware Of How You’re Feeling
Awareness is underrated. Before moving forward, you have to acknowledge where you are and what you’re experiencing. Are you frustrated with your job? Unsure about your career? Jealous of your friends who seem to have everything worked out? You’re not stuck, you’re giving yourself space for introspection. And, when you cultivate self-awareness, you can move away from just going through the motions. ‘You can switch off autopilot by practising mindfulness techniques to help reroute your thinking from ruminating on the past or worrying about the future, to becoming rooted in the here and now. It may also help to take a step back and make decisions from a place of calm and clarity, rather than amid busyness and chaos,’ suggests Psych Central.

Share What You’re Going Through
You don’t have to white-knuckle it through your quarter-life crisis. In fact, speaking to someone else can make a positive difference. Do you think your friends have it all together? Do you think that because of what they tell you, or do you just get the impression from social media? Have a heart-to-heart with someone close to you; you might be surprised by what they’re going through – it might not be so far off from what you’re experiencing. American psychologist Nathan Gehlert told The Muse in Powering Through Your Quarter-Life Crisis that, ‘It’s really important to have someone who you can be completely honest with.’However, that doesn’t need to be a friend. If your anxiety is coming from your career, seeking out a mentor could be the right move for you.

You Don’t Have To Do What Your Qualification Says You Do
Your degree or diploma doesn’t define you. Just because you studied something, it doesn’t mean you have to stick with it your entire life. If your feelings of existential dread are coming from the thought of navigating the career path you studied for, look into exploring other avenues. No, you don’t have to quit your job just yet. Take a few classes in something that interests you, or start a side hustle. Expand your life so that the most significant part of your day isn’t your nine-to-five. ‘What makes you feel excited? What hobbies or activities have you always wanted to try? What’s that one thing on your bucket list that you’re ready to tackle? Passion is an essential part of happiness, fulfilment, and meaning. This doesn’t mean passion needs to be the main focus of your life. It just means you should be seeking to take risks beyond your usual comfort zone,’ says Elevate Counselling  And Wellness.

Stop Comparing
Playing the comparison game is far from fun. It can lead to low self-esteem, jealousy, and depression. Not only that, but thinking that other people’s lives are better than yours can give you the impression that your talents and skills aren’t valuable, and that your goals should be the same or similar to those whom you’re comparing yourself to. This is a dangerous road to find yourself on – you could work towards something you don’t really want just because you thought someone else’s
life looked better than yours.

In his report, The Quarter-Life Crisis Slowing Down is Key, Patrick David Cenon details how he managed to turn his quarter-life crisis into an opportunity. One aspect of his plan was taking a step away from the technology and the information overload that can easily overwhelm people, especially those who are experiencing a quarter-life crisis. ‘The speed and pace of the manic society, combined with the numerous choices brought  about by the internet, have helped create a situation that discourages thorough understanding and evaluation of each potential choice.’ 

David believes that slowing down and taking time to clarify your priorities and aspirations can put you on the right path.Your quarter-life crisis doesn’t have to be something you just have to get through. Find the opportunities that  this experience gives you to re-evaluate what you truly want and explore new passions, without comparing yourself to others. 

Words by: Paula Rabeling
Photography: Unsplash