Thursday October 9, 2003

Quarterlife Crisis

“I rent a room and I fill the spaces with
Wood in places to make it feel like home
But all I feel’s alone
It might be a quarter life crisis
Or just the stirring in my soul”

-John Mayer, “Why Georgia”

Anyone out there feel like they’re having a Quarterlife Crisis? I think I know a few people who are, including myself. Wondering what I’m doing to do with my life, worrying that I’m not doing things everyone else has already done by now, wondering also about what I’ll have to show for myself by the time my 10 year reunion comes around. Now, I know what everyone says: that the 10 year is really pretentious and that everyone is trying to SOUND like they’ve made it, when really everyone is just afraid to sound like a “failure”. Still, I think it’ll be interesting, and it’s only 3 1/2 years away!

Anyway, my point wasn’t really to talk about reunions. I came across this article on MSN, talking about the “Quarterlife Crisis”.

Apparently two women compiled a website and have also written a book entitled: Quarterlife Crisis: The Unique Challenges of Life in Your 20s. I haven’t read it yet, but it seems like it could be interesting. At the very least, I guess it gives people perspective and they will know that if they don’t have it all figured out, they aren’t alone.

Just thought I’d share! Posted at 8:37 AM | Track comments to this entry vis RSS

8 Comments

Oh I can say without a doubt that I am going through a quarterlife crisis!! The book and website look really interesting and helpful! Thanks for posting the link!

1 | Posted by: Colleen on October 09, 2003 @ 9:41 AM

Hmm, well, apparently a lot of people on Amazon are trashing this book, so maybe that should be taken as a disclaimer. :)

Read at your own risk! As I said, I haven’t read it, and my main reason for posting is just cuz I have worries related to nearing my mid-20s.

If anyone DOES read it, lemme know what you think.

2 | Posted by: Jennifer on October 09, 2003 @ 10:26 AM

Ah, ye olde quarter-life crisis. Had my first one at 19, then again at 24, and maybe a third coming up at 27. They seem to go hand in hand with underemployment or unemployment. Hmmm…..

3 | Posted by: Keir on October 09, 2003 @ 11:47 AM

Keir, I think you may be on to something! :)

4 | Posted by: Jennifer on October 09, 2003 @ 11:57 AM

I think I’m having one of those too! :/

5 | Posted by: Ivette01 on October 09, 2003 @ 4:26 PM

I think the crises tend to coincide with traumatic events from your life (read unemployment, breakups, whatever). I don’t think one need write a book specifically about quarter-life crises as they really aren’t much different from any other crises one may have.

I’ve been reading this excellent book about objectively analyzing your life called THE EXAMINED LIFE by Robert Nozick. It’s pretty good. His discussion of some topics (like death, sexuality and others) is somewhat less than stellar, but he makes up for it with seriously profound chapters on love, human interaction, happiness and reality. It’s been a guide through my last crisis, so I thought I would suggest it.

m

6 | Posted by: m-unit on October 09, 2003 @ 8:47 PM

I had one every year for five straight years until my husband/then fiance’ helped me figure out what I needed to do with my life.

You’ll find what you’re looking for soon enough. I’m not 100% sure of what I’m doing will be a success but at least I never have to ask, “what if?”

7 | Posted by: Mona on October 10, 2003 @ 1:53 AM

Yeah, and anyway until then it makes great self-absorbed whiny material for rock&roll lyrics. I sense a sudden burst of inspiration…

8 | Posted by: Keir on October 10, 2003 @ 5:34 AM
Comments for this entry are now closed.

©2002-2008 Jennifer

eXTReMe Tracker