Have you ever been anxious about your life? Have you ever felt like you have done everything you can and yet, you still haven’t accomplished anything? Have you ever asked what’s wrong with you? Have you experienced quarter-life crisis?

As defined by Wikipedia, In popular psychology, a quarter-life crisis is a crisis “involving anxiety over the direction and quality of one’s life” which is most commonly experienced in a period ranging from a person’s twenties up to their mid-thirties (although it can begin as early as 18). It is defined by clinical psychologist Alex Fowke as “a period of insecurity, doubt and disappointment surrounding your career, relationships and financial situation”.

I have been thinking lately about how I wished to see my life in my 30s, when I was still in college. Back then, i thought of working so hard so I could be able to have everything that I wanted, a house and lot, a car, business, and so many more. I also thought that maybe in my 30s, i would already have a family of my own. Things didn’t happen as planned. Im now in my 30s and still dreaming of the things i dreamed of when I was still a student. My life is frustrating. I don’t even know, as of the moment, if I’m taking the right path to my career. I am beginning to dislike my profession and many times I have thought of trying a different kind of work, maybe something that will allow me to travel to explore different places and culture.

I am thinking, do I feel this way because of quarter-life crisis?

Because I always wanted to try to understand myself better, i tried to research more information about quarter-life crisis.

Here are some of the possible signs that you are experiencing quarter-life crisis:

1. You are insecure and dissatisfied because of your unfulfilled needs. You are frustrated because you feel like you are being left behind.

2. You don’t understand what your purpose in life is. You might be asking yourself now, why do I exist?

3. You spend more than what you can afford because you always want to fit in. You need to build your personal brand even if you are financially struggling.

4. You are no longer motivated and you feel the need to escape to find your happiness.

5. You are always worried that people may not appreciate you or your work.

6. You have lost your confidence. You think that you are worthless, that you are not beautiful and smart. You think people see you as nothing.

7. You wanted to do so many things but you’re not taking extra step to make it happen.

8. You see many successful people in social media and you wish to have their lives.

9. You question the direction of your life, your career, and your relationship.

I couldn’t say that overcoming this crisis is easy, but we may all take baby steps in finding our self worth. Let me share with you few things that I tried doing:

1. Talk to a friend. Having someone to listen to your sentiments is a huge relief. Tell your friend what you are going through. True friends will never disappoint us. They will surely make us feel that we are not alone, and that we matter.

2. Be positive. Think that QLC is just normal and that you will still be able to overcome it.

3. Do what makes you happy. Ok, you have a job, but you also want to try other things. Blogging? Traveling? Cooking? Swimming? If it makes you happy then do it! Don’t be scared if you fail. Don’t be afraid to try new ideas.

4. Stop comparing yourself with others. C’mon! Social media could be a big lie. Many people are also just like us who want to be looked up to. You may not know it but your life could be better than theirs.

5. Always be grateful. Maybe it’s also time for us to appreciate even the smallest things we have. Pray and work for what you want but be thankful for what you have.

6. Invest in yourself. Never stop learning. It will not just broaden your knowledge, but it will also help you develop your self esteem.

7. Make new plans. Come up with a realistic goal. Do something to make it happen.

I’ll try harder to work on it and hopefully one day, I’d be able to write again and give update on how I get through this QLC.