Quarter-Life Crisis?

Recently, I borrowed a book from the National Library. It was the title of the book (or rather three big words) that attracted me.

TWENTY SOMETHING
THE QUARTER-LIFE CRISIS OF JACK LANCESTER
By Iain Hollingshead

The book cover reads "Funny, rude and entertaining...will strike a chord with anyone who is, was or will be a twenty something".

I have not read much of the book, but the words "Quarter-life crisis" makes me want to find out more. After all, at 25, I am in danger of facing this crisis.

Lately, the term "Quarter-life crisis" (QLC) has popped up a few times in conversations with my peers.

I have friends who changed jobs to seek a different career, some are not happy where they are, some wished they could achieve more, a few want to further their studies, others feel they should be getting more recognition for what they have accomplished.

All these feelings may not be directly linked to the so-called QLC, but it may have played a part one way or another.

I think for a lot of people who are twenty something would at some point or another have a certain uncertain feeling about the path ahead.

It is at this mid twenties point in time when we realised we are approaching the big 3 and we no longer have so much youth to "squander". It is also at this time when you start to look at life a bit more seriously. All sorts of questions fill your mind. Is your life working out the way you want? Is this the life you want? Are you doing what you like?

A high-achiever friend lamented that she does not seem to be accomplishing as much as she wants to, and she actually wants to do a lot more than she is doing now. A sense of dis-satisfaction fills her, and somehow she feels unhappy, even though she appears to be doing well.

I think it is good for one in his or her twenties to do a report card for oneself. It gives an idea of what one has done and also make careful considerations if the right path has been chosen at this juncture.

It would not be true to say "youth is running out" at twenty something, but it is certain that one is no longer a child, and life has to be taken more seriously from now on.

Quarter-life crisis has not really caught on me yet, but for those who are feeling bothered, there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, it is good because if you feel a sense of uneasiness, it shows you have indeed matured.

To deal with QLC, I only have one suggestion, ask yourself, are you happy with your current state of life, and what do you think will make you happy?

Once you are happy from deep within, I believe QLC will vanish by itself.