How I Survived My Quarter Life Crisis (Lessons Learned at 25 Years of Age)
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I will be turning 26 this May 2010.
It has almost been a full year of being 25 years old, which some may argue as being regarded as the “quarter life crisis.”
There has been much debate over this whole issue of does a quarter life crisis even really exists or not. We all probably are more aware of the midlife crisis that may occur at age 50, but rarely do people talk about the crisis that happens at age 25.
If you think about it being 25 years old is a major point in one’s life. This may be the time the person is coming right out of college and is stepping into the real world. Or it also may be the age that someone is really getting settled living on their own and claiming their independence as an adult without the assistance of a parent(s). I understand that we all make major life choices at certain ages in our life. However, 25 years of age seems to be a major life changing year for most of the people that I know and from my own personal experience as well.
The situations vary from person to person. But on a very general level at around the age of 25, major changes begin to happen for the individual concerned. I can honestly say, that I believe the crisis can come in to play when the person at age 25 remains very unclear of what he/she wants to do with their life.
If the individual is living at home and hasn’t really experienced life outside of being independent of their parents they may be going through this crisis at the moment.
This is a common feeling and you are not alone.
I will share with you all the steps that smoothly transitioned me from being dependant into independent as a happily functioning 25 year old man. 
I am currently living a very inspired, successful and empowered lifestyle at the moment, because of the tips that I share here proved to be very beneficial for me in my own life. Below I have included the 6 tips that helped me survive my quarter life crisis successfully.
Tip # 1
Finish College.
I recommend finishing college, if you are not ridiculously talented in some area yet that you can make a living on. Although, I do realize that college isn’t for everyone, if you have means and support to get a college degree, I would still recommend this route on a practical level. I graduated college in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate at Cal State San Bernardino, CA. It was a good experience and although come of the college classes were at times was challenging for me, it was still worth attending for the overall experience.
Tip # 2
Move Out.
Get the hell out of your parent’s house. I had to learn this the hard way, but eventually I realized in order for me to really fulfill my dreams, I needed to take action get my own place and start from scratch just like everyone else desiring to fulfill their dreams. Luckily, I had a good friend motivate me out of my parent’s house and be independent. It was a challenge emotionally and financially at the time to do so, but I felt that I had to be at a space where I can create for myself and learn valuable life lessons on my own. I am currently in this phase of making it on my own, but it is bringing so much reward and fulfillment currently, that I can say that I am very happy with the decision I made 8 months ago of getting my own place.
Tip # 3
Balancing Act.
Work a job to make ends meet, but follow your passion on the side. You will see that most of the articles I present here probably are anti-having a regular job. But, if you like the idea of having food and shelter, having a job in the meantime while working on your own business on the side would be more practical advice. The trap that most people that work regular 9-5 jobs is that they end up feeling burnt out and not having enough time or energy to pursue their passion on the side. This is where your burning desire for success comes in. If you want to really make a change in your life you have to be willing to put the effort and energy for a prosperous future for yourself, by still pursuing your true desires and passion on the side. If you are listening to you inner guidance, you will know when it is the right time for you to work on your own business full time. It is important to not fall into the trap and illusionary comfort of the corporate world, remember you run the show.
Never put your true passion and dreams on the back burner.
Tip # 4
Self Discovery.
Don’t worry about not having all the answers. 25 is still very young. This is a time of much self discovery. Don’t rush through this phase, and enjoy this time. But do so in a manner that allows you much space and time for discovering your life’s purpose (if you haven’t found it already). I would suggest read up on a lot of books that inspire you and challenge your ideas. There are several great self help and personal development books that you can borrow for free at your local public library.
I also suggest, hanging out with people of like minds that support and encourage your growth. Spend less time with people that are still playing the victim game or have a lot of emotional baggage they are carrying around, and are still blaming others and outside circumstances for their struggle. These negative people can drain your energy.
Tip # 5
Experiment Over and Over.
Experiment on exciting and fun projects and take some hits and rejections early on, this is how you will grow and learn from real life experience. The ironic thing is that the more you experiment and the more rejection you face early on, the wiser and disciplined you become in your efforts resulting in greater rewards for the future.
I had several different projects that I worked on early on that never had the ability to ever leave the ground. But, I became wiser each time I started a new one, because I learned what was wrong with it and I made a commitment to fix the problems the second time around. Look at your experiments as a learning process, and never get discouraged if some of them just don’t work out like you planned, continue to improve and follow your heart always. You will find the project(s) that will do very well for you with enough time and effort. When experimenting on different projects early on, persistence is the key to success.
Tip # 6
Remain Present.
Being mindful and in the present moment allows you to actually transcend spiritually through your age, as you begin to accept and be responsible for what you are facing in the moment.
I have found that being in the present moment most of the day, leads to more production on my part and also a sense of inner peace within me begins to blossom.
Don’t concern yourself too much about the past or the future. If you are worried about all these challenges you are facing at the moment, just accept that the challenge is there and find real solutions that can help you get on your feet. Don’t waste time and energy overly concerned with what you could’ve done differently in the past, your future depends on what you are doing in the here and now.
Be here now in the moment, and create and work from this space. Know that you are the creator of your own reality. Be easy on yourself, love and thrive in each and every moment that you are alive. Always follow your inner guidance.
All is well.
For more tips on how you can deal with A Quarter Life Crisis visit the older post I wrote here:
How To Thrive Through Your Quarter Life Crisis.
The Journey Continues,
Find Your Career Answers Here!
Baker –
Happy Upcoming Birthday! I think you have wisdom beyond your years. Some really strong lessons here – particularly self-discovery and experimenting. If you treat life as one long adventure and learn at every curve there is no need to have a crisis. It is only when life gets boring that crisis creeps up on us.
Great post and great work!
Phil
Phil – Less Ordinary Living´s last blog ..Secret Games We Play and How to Win Them
whooohooooooooooooooooo =) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I’m a kid at heart and one thing about growing up is never stop learning and growing. Hence experimenting.Tip # 6 Remain Present was also my favorite because LIFE is so FULL when I am present. I feel the aliveness joy and abundance in each moment.
Cheers to you it’s never too early to celebrate life to the fullest.
I was actually pregnant at 26 and you are right it is HUGE. 26 yrs old seems like your still young and coming out of your cocoon but actually this is where tip #4 really starts
Tip # 4
Self Discovery. Luckily I was married to my College sweetheart but still it was HUGE TRANSITION FOR US BOTH.
I have also been out of my home since I was 17 so moving out was the easy one for me.
I love Tip # 5 Experiment Over and Over..I will still be doing this @ age 90 hahaha
Thanks Baker and HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY my friend.
ps. I didn’t know you went to San Bernardino in College
I live by Rancho Cucamonga right now
Hope we bumped heads someday.
Have a great amazing month and YEAR!
Love Light & HUGE Blessings Baker
Therese Miu´s last blog ..10 Types of People you should watch out for when your networking
Hey Dude, as a joke, when I turned 25 I always used to say to people, ‘hey if I die at 50, then technically I should be having my mid life crisis right about now!’
Nice lessons there!! I especially love tip 5 of experimenting over and over and rolling with the punches. For a 25 year old you sure have the wisdom of someone more like 50 and then energy of a 18 year old.
I personally think it just gets better and better as you get older…I only just turned 33 and life has just been take jumps forward each year. Sure, I’ve been through my fair share of crap too, especially recently but I didn’t let it get me down, I perservered!
God bless dude and good luck with the writing!
Amit Sodha – The Power Of Choice´s last blog ..Have You Discovered Your Unique Talent And Gift To The World?
I give you credit. I had no clue in hell who I was until I was 26. Even then it took me a few years to get a sense of direction in my life.
I would put Remain Present as #1. I can understand why you put it at #6 though since it’s not a mainstream concept. When present everything else falls into place for you. Maybe not the way you want things to fall into place but the universe always knows best.
Thanks for sharing your insight Baker.
Ryan´s last blog ..Don’t Share Your Money Problems with Me, I Don’t Want Them
hi baker,
how are you?
thanks for sharing this article. my birthday is in a few weeks and i am evaluating a lot of things done in the last year.
i agree and can certainly relate with the line… work a job to make ends meet(i’m adding ‘to take care of yourself and your family’), but follow your passion on the side.i am firm believer in things falling into place as long as you keep at it.
i also agree with the notion of experimenting. if one doesn’t experiment within reasonable grounds, how can one learn?
before i forget: could you in your spare time consider writing an article for next months edition of the life skills magazine, if you dont mind.
i will send a proper email to you.
take care
ayo´s last blog ..The Third Edition Of The Life Skills Magazine Is Out Now!!!
Hi Baker,
Happy Early Birthday!! You’re quite insightful and blessed at 25. I agree with Therese, I’ll be experimenting over and over until the end. It’s all part of our evolution and growth. After college I took the perceived ‘safe’ route — the guaranteed paycheck. Now, my mantra is to follow your heart.
Wishing you fun adventures, abundance, and dreams come true in your 26th year!
Baker, Happy upcoming birthday. Astrologically, your Saturn Return happens around age 28. Then you will find out what doesn’t work in your life because it will be in your face. I started mine when I was 27. That was and still is the lowest point in my life. At 58, I should be going through my second Saturn Return. So far, the challenges haven’t been anything that I couldn’t handle. Hopefully I am wiser than I was at 27. But then again, I did just begin working on a new chapter of my incest issues. The Saturn Return could be why I am now beginning to deal with this particular issue for the first time. Life is definitely interesting. You sound like a very wise 25 year old from your blog article titles. You give some good advice in this article. Thanks for visiting my blog recently and leaving a comment.
Patricia – Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker´s last blog ..A New Chapter In Incest Recovery
Hi Baker, it’s very nice to read your tips and what you’ve learned at 25.
I think the first few weeks fo college are the perfect segueway into adulthood. You’re away for family, you have an endless amount of freedom (and consequences for your actions), you’re thrown into a lot of situations with strangers and you’re forced to figure out how to navigate everyday on new terrain. And I think your last two tips are golden, timeless and ageless.
Enjoy the remaining days of your 25th birthday and have an absolutely bangin’ birthday, my friend.
I’ve never thought about a quarter life crisis before, but with all of the changes that takes place around that age I can see your point. Luckily at age 25 most still have a passion and a feeling that now “my” life begins. Which allows most to sail through the quarter life crisis without realizing it.
Happy up coming birthday!
Felonious Monk´s last blog ..Global Warming/Climate Change
Happy Born Day and you have an old soul but full of greatness!!
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Hey Baker,
As someone coming up to the quarter-life crisis, I can relate to the above. I’m glad to hear that you were very aware of the process! I feel like many of us get wrapped up the hurricane it can be and lose track of our awareness.
I connected the most with experimenting. I have tried to be playful and forgiving with my many various endeavors. I know that I’ll be making many mistakes, but learning a lot in the process. And I know that the times in my life that I have made the most mistakes have lead to the most growth.
I’m glad there’s another person in the blogging in this process! So what sort of things are you doing to follow your passion?
Take care,
Ben
Ben Weston´s last blog ..Is 40 Degrees Warm or Cold?
Well written! I became independent from my parents at 19 years old. I learned it the hardest way. I had to support my college studies and worked at the same time. I had never become rich though. (lol) However I am proud to say the product of my hard work paid off. I was able to help my brother to be an engineer and a niece who just finished her 4 years Digital Animation course in one of the well respected universities in my country. Great blog!
Baker, a profoundly wise post for someone 25 going on 26. I would love to see what wisdom you share 25 years from now!
Thank you for such an enriching post. You clearly engage with your own life in deciding many of the steps on your journey. This is a rare gift, and you are so generous in sharing your insights, especially, “Don’t worry about not having all the answers.” This is very true and what we seek as answers often turn out to be the experience of the process itself – the journey and not the destination.
From the rainy mountains of Japan, evening greetings to you – Catrien Ross.
Catrien Ross´s last blog ..Catrien Ross on Getting Unstuck By Gently Letting Go
Love this post!
haha thanks nicki!
Amazing post!
I am 24 years old and will turn 25 in November. I am currently trying to self-discover myself by questioning who I am and what do I really want in long-term.
Your post is just starting to be very helpful for me.
Thank you very much from deep in my heart.
Daniela G
Hi Daniela,
You are welcome. Keep in mind that following your heart will lead the way to your dreams. =)