You may find it hard to sympathize with people who believe they're suffering from quarter-life crisis, a term most commonly associated with college seniors and recent graduates. It isn't the type of crisis spawned from natural catastrophes or international disputes or even a highly traumatic personal experience. It is actually a crisis that affects some of the most privileged people in America. People who have all the tools to begin the careers they have worked toward but who find themselves overwhelmed by, of all things, having too many options.
Of course, the current state of the economy limits job availabily. But early twentysomethings have seen a recession and realize that an economic upswing will eventually come. And their state of uncertainly is not from trying to figure out which job to take but from attempting to figure out just how to reach their American dream. Or to say it more bluntly, by asking themselves, "What's gonna make me happy?"
It's a question that everyone asks themselves about their lives, but it seems as though today's late Gen-Xers and early Gen-Yers not only put more pressure on themselves to find happiness but also have a more refined definition of what happiness is. They want a perfect career that not only pays the bills but will personally satisfy them until retirement. They want to find a significant other who'll stay with them until they die. They want to do every little thing they have ever wanted to do, be successful and then tell their grandkids about it. And they want to know that whatever step they take in the present will eventually get them there.
I'll admit it. I'm not trying to win pity from anyone, but I can't not clump myself with these people. Heck, I'm the epitome of quarter-life crisis. And sure, it's all sounds like a bunch of whining, but I like that we set high standards for ourselves. We may be naive to believe there is a choice we can make that can guarantee our happiness. But to want anything less would be to suppress our full potential.
More Info:
Detroit Free Press
Quarter Life Crisis.com
The Burr
