Are you in a Quarter-Life Crisis? (And What Should You Do About It?)

Written By Blake Eve

If you’re somewhere between your mid-20s and early 30s, you might be asking:

  • What the hell am I doing with my life?

  • Should I quit my job?

  • Should I move to Canada? (or New Zealand? Europe? or insert dream country?)

  • Am I dating my life partner, or is it time to move on?

  • Do I want kids? Am I sure about that?

  • Should I start a commune with my best friends?

  • What is the purpose and meaning of ALL THIS??

If you feel burned out, drained, overwhelmed, or uncertain about what to do next, you might be experiencing a quarter-life crisis (okay okay–technically maybe a “third-life crisis,” but we’re not counting).

What Is a Quarter-Life Crisis?

A quarter-life crisis is a period of intense questioning and soul-searching that often hits during your mid-20s to early 30s.

According to Wikipedia, it involves “an existential crisis involving anxiety and sorrow over the direction and quality of one's life which is most commonly experienced in a period ranging from a person's early twenties up to their mid-thirties, although it can begin as early as eighteen.” Clinical psychologist Alex Fowke calls it “a period of insecurity, doubt, and disappointment surrounding your career, relationships, and financial situation.”

Common Symptoms of a Quarter-Life Crisis:

  • Questioning your life’s purpose

  • Lack of motivation

  • Feeling emotionally drained or burned out

  • Inability to make decisions about your next steps

  • Identity confusion

  • Lack of clarity or direction

  • Feeling lost

  • Isolation or loneliness

  • Fear, anxiety, or doubt

  • Stress about career path or finances

If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. A LinkedIn study shows that 75% of adults between the ages of 25 and 33 reported experiencing a quarter-life crisis (based on surveys in the US, UK, India, and Australia).

Why does this happen?

Because SO much changes in early adulthood.

You’re navigating career shifts, relationship changes, financial pressures, and decisions that feel like they shape the rest of your life. You’re also bombarded with options and comparisons–social media, societal timelines, family expectations, and more. 

Too many choices + too much pressure + uncertainty about yourself  = existential crisis. 

What Should I Do About It?

#1 Identify and Shed External Expectations 

It’s nearly impossible to figure out what YOU want if you’re constantly living for someone else’s version of success. 

Ask yourself:

  • Am I pursuing this because I want it–or because I feel like I should?

  • Where am I trying to meet someone else’s expectations?

Stop comparing yourself to or feeling the pressure of your friends, your parents, your teachers, or what you see on social media. 

You are on your own timeline and path–not someone else’s.

#2 Dedicate Time to Self-Discovery 

Self-discovery is absolutely essential. Your quarter-life crisis is often a result of being out of alignment with your identity or purpose. 

It’s time to get real with yourself. It’s crucial that you dedicate effort and time to your self-discovery. 

Some tools that help:

  • Identify Core Values: Choose 3-5 beliefs that matter most to you. These become your compass.

  • Journal: Reflect on deep questions like: 

    • When do I feel most like myself? 

    • What lights me up? What drains me?

    • What is my ideal day?

  • Experiment and Explore: Try new hobbies, travel (bonus for solo travel), take a class, or volunteer. Pay attention to what energizes and excites you. 

  • Create Stillness: Spend quiet time alone–no phone, no podcasts, no distractions. Walk in nature, meditate, or practice breathing exercises.

  • Take a Guided Course: A structured workshop like Younii’s Life Crafting Workshop can provide support and guidance to keep you on track.

#3 Seek Outside Support

Social support helps lower anxiety and cope with stress. Support systems can include:

  • Trusted friends and family

  • Professional therapy, coaching, or counseling

  • Online courses or communities

  • Books and podcasts

#4 Set Clear, Values-Aligned Goals

Once you understand your identity, you can set goals that truly reflect what you want. 

  • Focus on 3-5 key goals at a time

  • Make them specific, realistic, and aligned with your core values

  • Take small, consistent action


#5 Support Your Overall Wellness

Our regular advice for overall wellness is even more important during challenging times…

You Are Not Alone

Younii exists to help provide structure and guidance, so you don’t have to navigate life’s big transitions by yourself.

The Life Crafting Workshop is a reset. A pause. A guided process to figure out what matters to you, what is missing, and what is next.

✨ Early members get 50% off for a limited time. ✨

Ready to realign your life?

Explore The Life Crafting Workshop. 

This content is not a substitute for professional mental health advice. Seek professional therapy or counseling as needed. If you or someone you know needs help, please use the resources below.

CDC Suicide Prevention Resources

Blake Eve
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