The Quarter-Life Crisis: What to do

If you are between the ages of 25 and 35 and have been struggling for months on end with feelings of failure, doubt, apathy, depression, or anxiety — you may be in the midst of a Quarter-Life Crisis.

How do you navigate a Quarter-Life Crisis?

The process will look different for each person, however there are 4 main stages that underly an individual’s passage through a Quarter-Life Crisis, based on the work of adult developmental researcher and professor, Dr Oliver Robinson. These 4 stages are as follows:

Stage 1: Feeling Trapped

Stage 2: Realizing Change is Possible

Stage 3: Rebuilding

Stage 4: Solidifying

Stage 1: Feeling Trapped

In the first stage, the individual feels an acute sense of being trapped in a commitment such as a job or relationship, or life situation. The desire for something else can become intense, as can the feeling of hopelessness and despair.