Quarter-Life Crises Are A Real Thing
March 1, 2017
By Brian Maynor
When we think of life crises, we tend to focus on mid-life ones, those that happen around 50, when our sense of purpose is questioned through reflection and assessment. While that is a well-documented phenomenon, there is research on an earlier life crisis, the quarter-life crisis, which happens around 25.
It’s no surprise that these crises are triggered by stress, and a recent study published in the Journal of Adult Development examined the stress experienced during our 20s. While the actual stressors were looked at: new home, new job, and new responsibilities associated with establishing ourselves as adults; the more important factor was the short period of time in which all of these were experienced. At no other point in our lives do we have so many stressors in such a short time span, and it’s that combination of factors that can send us headfirst into a quarter-life crisis.
So how do you identify a quarter-life crisis? According to research there are five phases to a quarter-life crisis. Here’s the breakdown:
- Phase 1. During this phase, there is an overwhelming feeling of being trapped by the choices you’ve made with little or no sense of control. It is akin to the feeling that your life is on autopilot and you’re simply along for the ride.
- Phase 2. In a reaction to Phase 1, this period is all about planning your escape. There is an increased sense that you can, and need, to change your life, but in order to do so you must ‘get out’ of your current one.
- Phase 3. This is when you take action and quit your job, relationship or any other situation that is causing you to feel trapped in your own life. As a result of this break, self-discovery ensues, but it’s more about exploring various aspects of life to discover who you want to be in life.
- Phase 4. Once you’ve discovered your path, then you start to rebuild your life with a greater sense of control and direction. Knowing what you don’t want is just as important as knowing what you do want, and they both serve to guide the decision making process throughout the rest of your life.
- Phase 5. These new life choices bring a deeper sense of connection and commitment that both inspire and liberate you. This is the polar opposite of how you felt in Phase 1.
Anytime you’re facing a life crisis it’s hard to see the positives, but 80% of the people studied said they came through it a better person. The late-20s are a profound time in our lives when we are at the very beginning of life, and able to shape it into anything we want. If it saves you from regrets during a mid-life crisis, or even eliminates them entirely, how can it not be a good thing?
Along with discovering how we want to live our lives, this time also teaches us how to identify, cope and resolve our emotions and stressors in a way that aligns with the person we want to become in order to create a life of happiness.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
