Top signs you’re having a quarter-life crisis

A quarter-life crisis is important to acknowledge, so you can work to get back to feeling like yourself again. It’s easy to get stuck trying to keep up with everyone around you. Sometimes you might feel like you are spinning your wheels and watching everyone else’s weddings and promotions while you are at home eating that pint of ice cream and petting your cat. If so, you might be having a bit of a quarter-life crisis. Before things spiral too far for you, there are some steps you can take to feel better and get back on the right track. 

Here are a few signs to look out for if you think you are having a quarter-life crisis, and what you can do to work through it.

You constantly compare yourself to your peers

Are all of your peers getting promotions, getting married, having babies and buying houses? Chances are not all of your friends are going through these major life milestones, but it sure might feel like it. At this stage of your life, you might go to a lot of weddings and housewarming parties. The build-up to these events could have you stressing, “Why have I not done this yet?” Comparing yourself to your peers is something a lot of people do, but it is also something that is terrible for our mental health. 

Instead of comparing yourself to your peers, try to look inside and be thankful for all you do have. Be thankful you have not married the wrong person and are not stuck in a miserable relationship. And, while your friends might race off to beautiful homes in the suburbs, you might get a few years yet to remain living the single life in the city, having a lot of fun with your friends.

You worry your best years are behind you

Spoiler alert: they’re not. 

You are in your 20s with decades left in your life that you could shape however you want to. Your youth is when you make a lot of heartbreaking mistakes. Maybe you chased love that did not work out or suffered through some menial jobs. As we age, we mature and can chase better goals that are more meaningful.

If you cannot land your dream job just yet, take up volunteering at a cause you truly care about. Give back and enjoy how good that makes you feel. And, if you feel like you want to push yourself, try to negotiate a promotion at work. 

You think you’re never going to find your soulmate

Being unlucky in love can be disheartening for anyone, especially as you see your friends go off and get married. There is some good news. It is easier than ever to date and meet like-minded people. There are dating apps for everything it seems. You never have to waste time on a date with someone with whom you have nothing in common, since you can usually chat with them online first and do some initial screening.

While it might seem like you are the only single person, you are not. Join some groups, take some classes and do some online dating. Thanks to technology, it has never been easier to meet interesting people. 

You’re experiencing social media blues

Chances are, you might spend too much time scrolling on social media. While social media can be a great way to keep us connected to our loved ones, it is also a great way to only see the good side of their lives. It is fairly easy to make your life look perfect on social media by posting pictures of sunsets, weddings and that amazing five-star dinner you had last week. That is not a reality for most people. 

Give yourself a break from your social media apps, or restrict yourself to just an hour a day, which will let you feel like you are not missing out on anything, but also limits your exposure. Maybe try starting your day with a 15-minute morning ritual? And if you really can't avoid your phone, perhaps it’s time to try one of the best meditation apps. 

You think you are going to be broke forever

If your career has not yet taken off how you wanted, it might feel like you will always have roommates and be eating cheap Cup Noodles. It is hard to attain that dream job we always wanted, and there is nothing wrong with a few temp jobs or bussing tables until you get there.

Do not stop chasing your dreams, but try to give yourself a break. The journey to getting your dream job should not be full of peril. You can also pick up a variety of side hustles from driving an Uber to writing blogs that will help supplement your income as you work towards the career you really want. 

Your mid-20s are a time for youth, freedom and fun! While you absolutely need to position yourself to accomplish goals and head towards the life you want, it is also fine to spend some time relaxing and enjoying life at this age. As long as you are taking tangible steps towards achieving your goals, try not to get hung up on everything that is not happening as quickly as you want it to.