May 9, 2025
Introduction: What Is a Quarter-Life Crisis, Really?
A quarter-life crisis is that confusing, panic-laced phase where your 20s feel like panic mode trying to figure out what you’re doing with your life. You’re bombarded with the pressure to have it all figured out—career, finances, relationships—while still trying to understand who you even are. It’s not in your head; it’s a psychological phenomenon that affects millions, especially in a society obsessed with instant success.
The Perfect-Storm Pressure of Your 20s
Why is this decade so emotionally chaotic? Because it combines everything at once: graduating into uncertain job markets, managing debt, leaving home, forming adult relationships, and trying not to burn out. Social media makes it so much worse because all you see are people seeming like they have all their shit together. Well I’m here to tell you it’s not true! None of us do!
Signs You Might Be in a Quarter-Life Crisis
- You constantly question your purpose or path
- You compare yourself to others and always feel behind
- You feel stuck, unmotivated, or directionless
- You swing between burnout and apathy
- You ask, “Is this really it?” more than you want to
You’re Not Alone: Stats and Studies
According to LinkedIn and other recent studies, over 70% of millennials and Gen Z adults admit to experiencing a quarter-life crisis. That’s an insane number. Psychologists describe it as a legitimate developmental phase marked by high uncertainty and identity exploration. The good news? It usually leads to major personal growth.
Why It Feels Like You’re Failing (But You’re Not)
I graduated with a bachelors in biomedical science in 2024 and it took me almost a year to find a reasonable job in my field! And even now working there, I question if it was all even worth it.
We’re sold the narrative that by 25, we should have our career path mapped out, savings in the bank, and a clear sense of identity. But I’ve come to realise that life isn’t made of linear rules. It’s a winding maze with infinite directions you can take that mostly all can lead to a successful and happy life.
My Quarter-Life Crisis Story (And What It Taught Me)
I found out real quick that the corporate world is NO JOKE! Working in my first ‘big-girl’ job for only 6 months when I stopped and was like, ‘wait what am I doing with my life?’ That’s not at all how I thought I would feel that early on. I was exhausted and uninspired. So now, I’m on a journey to figure out what my bigger picture is. It doesn’t have to be flashy or give me a 7-figure salary, but I know that every step I take is just a stepping stone in a direction and that’s enough for me.
The Role of Social Media in Exacerbating the Crisis
Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok—they all showcase the wins. But no one posts about crying over student loan debt or feeling lost after quitting a job. The lie is honestly toxic. Every single person has wins and losses. And I bet you the people on the very top had some of the biggest Ls. Don’t let those highlight reels slow you down!
The Money Stress is Real—And Common
A lot of anxiety in your 20s may come from money. For the first time you have to juggle an entire adult life on entry-level wages and insane inflation. Most 20-somethings aren’t saving for a house—they’re figuring out how to stretch $40 until Friday. Don’t feel bad about yourself. If you can afford to eat and sleep, you’re doing pretty well!
Feeling Behind Is a Lie—Here’s Why
Look at people like Oprah, Vera Wang, or Steve Carell—none of them found their stride until after 30. Success doesn’t expire. One person’s timeline is going to be COMPLETELY different to yours. Chances are you’ll be fighting for your life your whole 20s, so take a deep breath and just try to enjoy it.
Things That Actually Matter in Your 20s
- Developing emotional intelligence
- Trying new paths (and failing forward)
- Building relationships over résumés
- Understanding your energy, strengths, and boundaries
Your 20s are for experimenting. They’re the research phase of your life. Stop trying to nail it all down—get curious instead.
Small Steps to Regain Control During a Quarter-Life Crisis
- Journal your thoughts to uncover patterns
- Start a tiny side project—anything that excites you
- Seek therapy or join peer support groups
- Celebrate micro-wins instead of milestone goals
Navigating Career Uncertainty Without Panic
You don’t have to have a five-year plan. Just a five-day plan is enough sometimes. Try different courses, job shadow, volunteer, or DM someone in a field you’re curious about. Every action you take is a step in YOUR right direction. And even detours teach you something useful.
Real Talk: Relationships, Friendships, and Loneliness
As your life shifts, so do your relationships. Friends move away. People grow apart. You might feel isolated. That’s completely normal. I moved back to my home state when I was 21 and most of the friends I had before were completely gone and I had to start from scratch. I found out that I actually love doing things alone and grinding in peace. Think of one person in your life that you feel close to and tell them you love them. Prioritize your close relationships in your 20s. They are your support and will be a rock as you go through this crazy time.
For me, it was my family that I grew extremely close to. My mom became my best friend and we even started a side hustle together. Prioritize people in your life that don’t drain you, and don’t feel bad that you don’t have a 20-person friend group anymore. It’s ok and completely normal!
Tools That Can Help (Even If You’re Broke or Busy)
- Mental Health: BetterHelp, 7 Cups, free campus counseling
- Career Exploration: Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, YouTube
- Budgeting: Mint, YNAB, Goodbudget, or a plain old Google Sheet!
- Books: “The Defining Decade,” “Designing Your Life”, “ Let Them Theory”
While looking into masters programs I thought I might be interested in, I took some related courses on Coursera. This helped me to eliminate some options pretty fast! Turns out I hate bioinformatics
When to Consider a Big Life Change
Sometimes the crisis isn’t just internal. Maybe your job is toxic, your major is a mismatch, or your environment is draining you. Don’t be afraid to pivot. Make a plan. Save up. Apply elsewhere. Change your city, your major, your job—whatever feels necessary to breathe again. I decided to pick my whole life up in my last semester of college and do a semester abroad and then completely move countries. And I have to tell you, it was the best thing I could have done.
But maybe you’re in your first job and feel like you should probably stick it out. Check out this blog on why your first job isn’t supposed to be perfect and how to make it work.
Final Pep Talk: Your 20s Are Messy for Everyone
This decade isn’t supposed to be tidy. Even if the clean girls make you think it is. What feels like a crisis today could be your biggest transformation tomorrow. Stop being afraid to try something completely different! Just because you spent a fortune on that degree doesn’t mean you have to do that forever. Try other things! There is NO harm in it!
You’re not falling behind—you’re figuring it out. And that’s brave as hell.
Call to Action
What does your quarter-life crisis look like? What helped you survive it—or what’s helping now? Drop your story in the comments or DM me. Let’s normalize the messy middle and remind each other: we’re not alone in this.
Follow me @theongoingproject on Tiktok and IG to follow along while I figure it out too!
FAQs
1. What age is considered a quarter-life crisis?
Typically, it’s experienced between ages 22–30, when many people face identity, career, and life direction uncertainty.
2. Is it normal to feel lost in your 20s?
Yes, absolutely. Most people are still figuring out who they are and what they want during this decade.
3. How do I know if I’m having a quarter-life crisis?
Signs include chronic self-doubt, comparison, burnout, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty or misalignment.
4. How do I get out of a quarter-life crisis?
Start with small steps—therapy, journaling, new hobbies, side projects, or networking. You don’t need a full plan, just movement.
5. Is it too late to change careers in my 20s?
Not at all. Most people pivot several times before 30. Your 20s are the perfect time to experiment and explore.