The term quarter-life crisis refers to anxiety and self-doubt that some young adults experience during their mid-to-late 20s and early 30s. This period usually marks the transition from college to the workforce, alongside changing roles and increasing responsibilities.
Adults during this stage of life have often begun careers, entered committed relationships, become financially independent, and started families. For some, it might seem that they have finally reached many of the goals they have been working toward.
A quarter-life crisis can often be a normal part of young adult development. It can be a time of exploration, resulting in self-reflection and discovery that can lead to personal growth.
For others, this period is sometimes marked by feelings of uncertainty. They might find themselves questioning their choices, identity, and relationships. They might feel stuck and stymied by a lack of progress or question their overall life direction.
“Young adults are basically told this should be the best and most exciting time of their life. When the reality of life isn’t as picture-perfect as they thought it would be, it can create massive amounts of stress and anxiety,” says Carrie Howard, LCSW, CCATP, an anxiety coach and founder of Thrive Anxiety Solutions.
Experiencing a quarter-life crisis is often a normal part of young adult development. It can be a time for exploration, leading to self-reflection, discovery, and personal growth. By taking care of yourself and seeking support, you can build greater resilience during this life phase.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
Each person’s experience with a quarter-life crisis can be different. “Some of the most common anxieties young people face during this time revolve around still not having a clear idea of who they are, experiencing difficulty finding meaning, purpose, and belonging in life, and grappling with the disappointment and frustration that life hasn’t turned out how they thought it would,” Howard explains.
During this stage, common themes include unclear adult status, self-exploration needs, unstable relationships and roles, focusing on oneself, and future anticipation.
Some common signs and symptoms include:
Such symptoms can be signs of a quarter-life crisis but can also be tied to other causes, including depression. If you have been struggling with these feelings along with other symptoms of depression, such as changes in appetite, sleeping difficulties, changes in mood, and loss of pleasure, talk to your doctor or mental health professional.
Types of Quarter-Life Crises
Researchers suggest that there are two primary types of quarter-life crises: locked-in and locked-out.
- The locked-in type of crisis refers to feeling obligated to stay in a role despite feeling dissatisfied with it.
- The locked-out crisis involves not being able to obtain a desired goal, such as not being able to find work after graduating college.
Common Challenges During a Quarter-Life Crisis
Young adulthood is a time of new challenges and major life changes. This can be exciting at times, but it can also contribute to stress and uncertainty.
Young adults have tremendous pressure put on them by society, their parents, or even pressure they place on themselves to attain a certain societal or financial status, settle down with a partner and raise a family, or start climbing the career ladder.
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CARRIE HOWARD, LCSW, CCATP, ANXIETY COACH
Such pressure, Howard says, can lead many to question what they are doing, why they are doing it, and whether it will really make them happy. When life doesn’t look like they thought it would, or when the things they thought would bring them joy don’t, it can create a sense of confusion and distress.
Some of the challenges that can play a part in triggering a quarter-life crisis include:
- Job dissatisfaction: Transitioning from college into the workforce can add pressure and problems. Some may struggle to find work or experience their first job loss. Others may be unhappy with their chosen career and question their life choices.
- Relationship problems: Breakups, romantic turmoil, and changing friendships can create emotional stress and contribute to isolation.
- Financial problems: People often face new financial pressures, including housing, student loans, and other responsibilities, that can leave them stressed and anxious.
- Social pressures and expectations: People often compare themselves to what they think society expects them to be doing at their age and may feel stressed if they don’t seem to be in the same place as their peers.
- New responsibilities: Many young adults are entering committed relationships, having children, juggling social commitments, and dealing with work. Balancing all of these responsibilities can cause stress and doubt.
Exposure to social media can amplify this anxiety and pressure. “When you spend time scrolling social media feeds every day, and all you see are the highlight reels of everyone’s lives, it can absolutely create a tendency to compare yourself to others and feel like you’re coming up short,” Howard explains.
In a study of 1.5 million social media posts referencing quarter-life crises, researchers found that common themes often centered on feeling stuck, illness, career, school, family, desiring change, or experiencing mixed emotions.
Strategies for Coping With a Quarter-Life Crisis
Navigating the ups and downs of this phase of life can be challenging, but there are tactics that can help if you suspect that you’re in the midst of a quarter-life crisis. While a quarter-life crisis is marked by uncertainty, the following steps can help you negotiate these sometimes difficult and tumultuous feelings with greater strength and resolve.
Engage in Self-Reflection
Remembering that this type of developmental crisis is a normal part of life can be helpful. What you are feeling isn’t unusual, and it can be a way to learn more about yourself. Howard suggests that this self-exploration can be an essential way to shed light on your beliefs, values, and goals.
“Spending some time journaling or going through a list of values to help you figure out what is most important to you can really help here. Getting some clarity on these things will help you make decisions going forward that line up with your values and what is most important to you in your life,” she says.
Taking Time to Self-Reflect
Some strategies you can use to facilitate this self-reflection process include:
- Journaling: Write about your feelings, thoughts, and goals. This can be a great way to look for patterns and notice what matters most to you.
- Alone time: Social support is always important, but solitude can be a great way to reflect on what matters most to you, free from social pressure.
- Visualization: Spend time visualizing your future. Imagine yourself following various paths and consider how each option makes you feel.
- Getting feedback: Friends, family members, mentors, and other trusted individuals can be a great source of feedback and insight. Their insights can help you better recognize both your strengths and potential.
The important thing to remember is that this is not a singular event—it’s an ongoing process that can change as you adapt and grow.
You may find that your needs, values, and goals change over time—and that’s fine. The key is to keep reflecting and learning more about who you are and what you want.
Let Go of Expectations
In addition to reflecting on your values and goals, Howard says it is also important to let go of the long-held expectations that might come from yourself, your parents, or others in your life.
“Shift your inner dialogue away from using words like ‘should,’ ‘ought,’ and ‘must’ that subtly put pressure on yourself for your life to look a certain way and induce shame when those expectations aren’t met,” Howard suggests.
Practicing self-compassion and self-acceptance, she says, can also help you feel OK, even if your life doesn’t necessarily look how you expected it to.
Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparison may be a natural tendency, but it can truly be the thief of joy. It’s hard not to look around at your peers and feel like perhaps they have their lives more together than you.
Social media can play a role in exacerbating this urge to compare. It’s important to remember that what you see online often represents only select highlights of a person’s life; what you don’t see are all the struggles, disappointments, and insecurities that other people experience.
Each person’s journey is unique and different. What’s right for someone else may not be right for you.
Give Yourself Permission to Be Undecided and to Change
Howard says that it is also important to recognize that you don’t have to have all the answers. As a young adult, you’re still figuring out what you like, want, and find fulfilling. In many cases, the only way to discover these things is through exploring your options, so it’s OK to try things and decide that they are not right for you.
The key is to give yourself permission to change your mind along the way. “It’s OK to change your career path, decide you want to go back to school, or realize that you aren’t ready to settle down and start a family yet,” Howard says.
Change is inevitable, and learning to accept and embrace change can make it easier to face life’s many transitions. Recognize that young adulthood is a time of growth, and it can be an opportunity to learn more about yourself. Developing this self-knowledge can serve you well both now and in the future.
Reframe these pivots as important learning opportunities for personal growth and development rather than as failures.
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CARRIE HOWARD, LCSW, CCATP, ANXIETY COACH
Seeking Support for a Quarter-Life Crisis
While it is sometimes challenging to talk about with others, seeking support and encouragement is essential. Remind yourself that this is something that many people your age face, so sharing your own feelings and experiences can be a way to remind yourself and others that you are not alone in these feelings.
To get the support you need, consider:
- Reaching out to family and friends: The people closest to you can be your greatest source of strength. Talk to the people you trust the most about how you are feeling. While they may not necessarily be able to offer solutions, they can be a source of comfort, advice, and feedback.
- Discussing it with a mentor: If you are struggling in specific areas of your life, such as your education or career, reach out to a trusted mentor for advice. They may have often dealt with similar experiences early in their academic or professional life. This experience allows them to share insights to help you decide where you want to focus your energy to achieve your goals.
- Considering a support group: Online or in-person support communities are a great way to connect with people going through the same thing. These groups can be a place to share your thoughts and learn about what others have experienced. Reaching out to such groups can help you feel less alone in what you are feeling and focus more clearly on what you want to do going forward.
- Seek professional counseling: Talking to a mental health professional, particularly one specializing in working with young adults, can be helpful. A therapist can provide a non-judgmental, safe, and supportive space where you can talk about your challenges, gain new insights into your goals, and learn new coping strategies.
While a quarter-life crisis is normal and common, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect your well-being and motivation. Seeking help as you face these feelings of uncertainty can help you turn this experience into a time of personal growth. The key is to keep learning more about yourself, explore your options, clarify your values, and make choices that will serve you well now and in the future.
If you continue to experience feelings of distress, depression, or anxiety, reaching out to a doctor or mental health professional for further evaluation and help is vital.
