Quarterlife Crisis Interview
My first book, Managing the Quarterlife Crisis (published by Struik), was the subject of an interview I did with News24.com recently:
News24: What is a Quarterlife crisis?
The Quarterlife Crisis is a condition which affects today’s young adults, generally between the ages of 20 to 35, who experience real turmoil and anxiety regarding the choices, options and decisions about their futures.
News24: What causes a Quarterlife Crisis?
The crisis is a function of the modern world which has more possibilities and complexities than ever before. It was kick-started by the technology boom which completely redefined business and business success, creating new and overwhelming expectations for 20-35ers.
The crisis usually hits when one is in the process of making a change in the Quarterlife phase, so for instance a university student who leaves behind the academic world for the bright lights and big headaches of the “real” world; or an individual who has been in their first job for a few years and decides it might be time for a change; or someone who returns from taking time out to travel and isn’t sure what to do next.
It comes with having to leave behind a predictable structured routine and face the unpredictable chaos of adult life. Decisions, and their consequences, seem more serious than ever before, and Quarterlifers face real fears about making the wrong choices and missing out on others.
News24: What are the signs and symptoms?
You don’t break out in a rash or anything – so it’s difficult to tell from the outside! Broadly speaking, people will feel concerned or anxious about some or all of the following:
* Career There are numerous possibilities, and you may have multiple interests. Or perhaps you’re considering travelling now and committing to a career later, which leaves you feeling worries about being left behind your peers.
* Dreams or passions. You’re concerned about identifying them or, if you already know what they are, about following them.