If you’re stressed out all the time, feeling like your life consists of work, school, and sleep or you’re lost and confused about what’s right for your future, then you’re not alone. Research from the American Psychosocial Association has shown that 41 percent of 20 to 29-year-olds say they feel significantly pressured or almost more stress than they can bear.
By psychologist Erik Erikson’s definition, a quarter-life crisis is the period of time where adolescents experience major changes during the late teens to early thirties. The question of where we shall go enters our minds and we begin to doubt our future lives by the stresses of becoming a true adult.
“It’s probably the absolute worst feeling,” said senior Tyler McCue, who expressed his uncertainties about job opportunities and financial stability once graduation comes in mid-May.
“It’s not that I’m scared of having to work hard, I’m just worried about not finding something good enough for me to live off of. It kind of makes you start to wonder if what you’ve been learning the past four years and emptying your bank account for is going to actually pay for you to live comfortably,” he added.
For others the worries of financial security and living arrangements seemed to be core of most quarter life crises.
“Student loans, bills, rent, utilities plus other living expenses, and lets not forget the beer money we work hard for,” said junior Ryan Mirrone.
According to the American Council of Education, half of all students graduate with college debt of at least $12,000. With that being said, everyone should be entitled to a night off to relax and do something fun. Students work hard to make sure they can succeed somewhere.
Psychological research and studies have shown that unemployment and the awareness of not being able to find a job is a major cause for young people to undergo immense stress and anxiety.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m too stressed out and I’m aging way too fast. I’ve already got a decent amount of grey hairs,” Mirrone laughed.
Statistical findings from the American Sociological Association state that nearly two-thirds of young adults in their early 20’s receive economic support from their parents, while 40 percent still receive assistance in their late 20’s.
“You feel like a burden and a bum,” commuter Stephen McGuire said. “You don’t want to rely on your parents for things anymore but it’s like you have no choice.”
As the stresses of becoming an adult bombard you, the first, and foremost thing to remember is that you are not alone. There are plenty of students that have no idea what they’re doing with their lives. Also, take this time of crisis to really discover yourself. Don’t take criticism or failure to heart.
Multiple studies from the American Psychosocial Association have shown that following a path you don’t desire will only cause additional distress, lack of motivation and ultimately feelings of depression. So find something in life that makes you truly happy, that way you are able to balance all the madness.
Embrace each door as another learning experience; this way you are able to try new things. It’s fulfilling to learn from employers and internships and gain experience.
“Don’t go jumping into a different career without thinking about it. Do something you like to do, but don’t fantasize the idea,” said psychology professor at Brookdale Community College, Michael Giordo. The only person you need to ultimately impress is yourself, but it’s quite easy to miss the good old stress free days. Just stay confident and comfortable in your own shoes.
Next time it starts to feel like the world is caving in and the stress feels unbearable, remember to take a deep breath and realize you’re not alone. Life challenges us all with obstacles and decisions, experiences and lessons. Everyone gets a taste of the quarter-life crisis. Just give a listen to “Why Georgia” by John Mayor and let it ease your mind or pop some popcorn and watch The Garden State, 500 Days of Summer, or Lost in Translation. What ever it is you have to do, learn to find comfort in your crisis.
IMAGE TAKEN from creditlendingblog.com
