A Quarter-life Crisis?

‘Perhaps, we’re experiencing the quarter-life crisis.’

Over the weekend, I met up with some friends –the mates who were cycling with me in Alaska- from college. Many of us have graduated from school last year, and have been working for nearly a year now. We reminisced about the memorable experience of training for our 21 days-long cycling expedition in Alaska, and discussed about doing something similar this year – perhaps in New Zealand.  It was then that Jasbir told us about how we could be experiencing a quarter-life crisis.

Surely, I have heard of people going through  mid-life crises  But the concept of the quarter-life crisis is really new to me. Originally, I thought it was one of those random thoughts that Jasbir was having, and dismissed it. It was only after a search on Google, that I learnt about how quarter-life crisis could be real and unique to the twenty-somethings of today.

The quarter-life crisis is supposed to be a period of uncertainty and inner turmoil that often accompanies the transition into adulthood. It seems like a common phenomenon for the twenty-somethings to have multiple jobs within the first few years of joining the workforce. A handful will feel lost or burnt-out, and will decide to go back to school, or take a sabbatical.

As I am about to turn 25 this week, I had to stop to ask myself if I am experiencing a quarter-life crisis. I am actually a little hesitant about sharing my inner-most thoughts and emotions on this issue here, because I don’t want to talk about an issue that is seemingly petty. Afterall, everyone has to go through different stages in life, and this is just one of that many stages; there’s really no need for me to make a mountain out of a molehill. Above all, I was afraid that I might sound immature. Yet I thought this might be a good time for me to tell you a little more about myself. So here goes …

Last year, after graduation, I left for Australia to work, travel and spend time with my partner who is living in Melbourne. I was at a crossroad back then, and needed some time to explore my options ; I had to decide if I want to start my career in Melbourne, Singapore or Japan; or to further my education. This break certainly gave me ample time to think about what I want, but some part of me felt like I was escaping from reality. I was a little anxious and worried about what life would throw at me, and decided to not think about it until I really need to. I focused on having fun, making the most out of my time in Melbourne, and learning more about myself.

Then came the time when I knew I had to face the music. I was at the same crossroad that I was at last year. The only difference is that this time, I was more certain about what I wanted. I decided to move back to Singapore, and continue with my long-distance relationship. It has been two months since I’d moved back to Singapore, was been a period of great uncertainty and self-doubt. Initially, I compared myself with my peers, and constantly wondered if I could get a job that is prestigious-sounding I would enjoy doing. I told James about how anxious I was, and he gave me some wonderful advices: There’s no use in comparing, because we are all unique. What works for one may not work for another. We learn through every experience, so remember to enjoy the process. His advices gave me some assurance and confidence. I have since secured a job that I know I would enjoy doing, and will be starting work next month.

So, do I think I’m having a quarter-life crisis? I might be, but I hope not. Sure, I’m still feeling a little anxious about starting on a new job; but isn’t this what everyone else feels when they start on a new job? Or perhaps I am running a half-marathon because I want to feel young and strong? How about the cycling trip to New Zealand? Is it an attempt to romance the past, and escape from the “real world”? I’m not sure what the rest of my mates think about this, but at least for me, It’s because I love running and cycling, and I want to challenge myself again.

Could the quarter-life crisis be the new 'mid-life crisis'?