Wikipedia defines it as...
"The quarterlife crisis (QLC) is a term applied to the period of life immediately following the major changes of adolescence, usually ranging from the ages of 21 - 29. The term is named by analogy with mid-life crisis. It is now recognised by many therapists and professionals in the mental health field."
Wikipedia explains that the characteristics of quarter-life crisis may include:
- feeling "not good enough" because one can't find a job that is at one's academic/intellectual level
- frustration with relationships, the working world, and finding a suitable job or career
- confusion of identity
- insecurity regarding the near future
- insecurity regarding present accomplishments
- re-evaluation of close interpersonal relationships
- disappointment with one's job
- nostalgia for university, college, high school or elementary school life
- tendency to hold stronger opinions
- boredom with social interactions
- financially-rooted stress
- loneliness
- desire to have children
- a sense that everyone is, somehow, doing better than you
The list above has quite accurately describes my symptoms - especially the Bold-ed entries; not so much the Italic ones!!!
Here's a little more description from Wikipedia:
"These emotions and insecurities are not uncommon at this age, nor at any age in adult life. In the context of the quarter-life crisis, however, they occur shortly after a young person – usually an educated professional, in this context – enters the "real world". After entering adult life and coming to terms with its responsibilities, some individuals find themselves experiencing career stagnation or extreme insecurity. The individual often realizes the real world is tougher, more competitive and less forgiving than they imagined. Furthermore, the qualifications they have spent so much time and money earning are not likely to prepare them for this disillusionment.
I'll do a little bit more research into this and report on my finding sometime once I'm finished with my current book.
In the mean time, here's some links for you to flick through:
- Lola's interesting post from Making It Meaningful..., "How To Thrive Through The Quarterlife Crisis - Look In The Mirror
- How to Identify a Quarterlife Crisis - eHow.com
- Quarterlife Crisis - a one-stop info-shop for recent grads & beyond site
- How To Have A Quarter-Life Crisis - ProductDose.com
- Quarter Life Crisis: The Great Ambition Killer by Abbey Grace Yap at Articles Abundant
Are you experiencing this? What helps? What not?
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