Quarter-Life Crisis:
Moving On After 25

Life crises are thought to only happen when we are middle aged. Hearing the phrase “midlife crisis” can elicit images of sports cars, leather pants and eccentric behaviors. While this is often part of sitcoms and movies, life crises can happen at any age. If you are feeling as if you are at a crossroads in your life, you are worried about where to go or what to do you may be experiencing a life crisis. These crises are happening more and more between the ages of 25-35, becoming dubbed a quarter-life crisis. If this sounds like you, you aren’t alone.

There is a lot of living and growing to do between the ages of 25 to 35. Research shows that physically, adolescence lasts until the age of 25, at that time our brains are thought to be fully developed. After 25 you are embarking on a new phase in your life – that of a young adult. You may feel as if the “world is your oyster!” or you may feel as if you have no idea what you’d like to do next. It’s likely you feel a lot of things in between and all around. It can be enough to leave anyone feeling confused and overwhelmed.

Crisis after 25: What Is It?

Experts describe the quarter-life crisis as a predicament that “involves anxiety over the direction and quality of their life.” This is often experienced by people who are struggling with insecurities, doubt and concern about their future and options. Alex Fowke, a clinical psychologist, describes quarter-life crisis as “a period of insecurity, doubt and disappointment surrounding your career, relationships and financial situation”. If you are distressed and worried because of challenges in the various aspects of life as a grown up, you could be experiencing the quarter-life crisis.

A study has been presented to the British Psychological Society through New Scientists, revealing that the quarter-life crisis often has five phases:

  • Phase 1 – A feeling of being trapped by your life choices. Feeling as though you are living your life on autopilot.
  • Phase 2 – A rising sense of “I’ve got to get out” and the feeling that you can change your life.
  • Phase 3 – Quitting the job or relationship or whatever else is causing you to feel trapped and embarking on a “time out” period where you try out new experiences to find out who you want to be.
  • Phase 4 – Rebuilding your life.
  • Phase 5 – Developing new commitments more attuned to your interests and aspirations.

You may be asking yourself what brought this on? According to a study by LinkedIn, the most common trigger is job frustration or dissatisfaction. An expert life coach says the ages between 25 to 35 is often “a time in our lives when we’ve been in our careers for a few years, but not long enough to see or feel the benefits yet.” Excessive worry may also come from not landing that “dream job” yet, or from being overworked but still being neck deep in student loans and the rising cost of living.

Welcome to the Club

The quarter-life crisis is thought to be affecting a significant amount of the young adult population. According to the LinkedIn study, about 75 percent of 25 to 33-year-olds are going through this. Risk can increase for some depending on biology, genetics, environment, life events, and lifestyle. For instance the risk for quarter-life crisis can also be higher when there is a genetic predisposition for anxiety.

Quarter-life crisis can be scary and overwhelming, as it can affect you in some significant ways, especially if you become deeply entrenched in your concerns. According to Blair Decembrele of LinkedIn, “Going through this stressful period can lead those in their 20s and 30s to plan big career and life shifts that impact their professional world.” Those who cannot find a way toward the change they seek may find themselves greatly dissatisfied or frustrated. This can contribute to poor emotional health, anxiety and depression, even poor self-esteem.

Some symptoms of a quarter life crisis can include:

  • Feeling lost, stuck, trapped or unable to move on or make decisions, to facilitate change in your job or life.
  • Lacking the drive or motivation to see the world and face its vast challenges.
  • Daydreaming about your aspirations and what you perceive to be missing.
  • Comparing yourself with others, leaving you feeling ineffective and inadequate.
  • Anxiety about weddings and pregnancies, feeling left behind by peers and classmates.
  • Feeling worried that you are not earning enough for someone your age and with your background.
  • Often feeling nostalgic about your past – friendships, high school days, family, etc.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

If you are going through a crisis as a young adult, it could be difficult to believe that it can have a “silver lining.” That is, however, what experts believe. It is not all “doom and gloom.” Like everything else in life, quarter-life crises can be good and bad. Experts say that early crises may prepare you for additional challenges in life, resulting in greater resilience and sharpened instincts. Consequently, the risk of experiencing a crisis in your midlife can become lower. With support, you can take your life in a new direction.

How else can a quarter-life crisis be beneficial to you? Experts are of the opinion that it can be an inspiring reminder that change is inevitable and you can take charge of your own life. Crisis can humble you, letting you realize that you too can fail one day and you can also keep moving forward. Conversely, if you are frustrated you also know things can improve. You can turn your crisis into an opportunity for growth, though that can be difficult to do on your own, therapy can help.

Therapy and Quarter Life Crisis

Successfully turning crisis into opportunity takes a lot of skill. You are not alone. A skilled counselor independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Pinehurst, NC can help. If you are seeing the signs of a quarter-life crisis don’t wait, contact CCS – Pinehurst, NC. Call today!

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