Lately it feels as though I have been sitting on a rollercoaster ride, going up and down through the insane emotions which have more recently become the norm for me. One second I feel like my world is crashing down on me and the next I wouldn't be doubted as the happiest person alive. Going into my senior year of college (maybe), has me doing a lot of questioning about the big picture that is life. Why did I choose the career path I did? Will I ever be successful? What even is success? Should I take a year off? Or should I suck it up and finish strong? All of these major life decisions seem to be crashing down on me and to be honest, I'm having a hard time keeping up. Here are some tell tale signs that you may be experiencing your own quarter life crisis.
1. You feel old.
Obviously you're not old, you're probably somewhere between the ages of 20 and 26 (not everyone lives to be 100). Even though you still have a whole life ahead of you, you may feel like you're running out of time to "live up your 20's."
2. You envy those who are just beginning their college experience.
Ahh, freshmen year when your biggest worry was what flavor ramen you were going to buy. Now you have bigger things to worry about, like the "real world."
3. You're questioning everything.
From your career path, to why Instagram started adding stories. Everything is confusing and you can't make up your mind about anything.
4. You spend money you don't have.
All of this worrying and confusion has you taking yourself out on shopping sprees weekly. You might not be able to pay for rent or groceries next week but at least you have some cute new clothes!
5. Babies scare you.
The thought of babies or marriage have you breaking out in a cold sweat and hives. You may be less than 10 years out from being happily married and having a couple of children, but you rather think about Chipotle instead.
6. You feel like the only one who hasn't found their passion.
You don't have any outstanding talents and you're starting to wish that your parents kept you in gymnastics or acting classes so you would have passion for something other than Orange is the New Black and take-out food.
7. You're torn between what's comfortable and taking risks.
You feel as though you are at a point in life where you could continue along your boring career choice and suck it up, or take some risks such as dropping everything to exploring the world. Both choices terrify you and you're not prepared for either.
8. You may (or may not) be drinking too much.
What is "too much" anyways?? Right up until the ripe age of 21 you didn't know what you were missing out on. Now you have the option to go bar hopping with your friends on the weekend (or during the week...but we don't advertise that one), and forget about all of your quarter life crisis's collectively. Another glass of wine? Bring it on.
9. You are very close to launching yourself off the nearest building the next time an actual adult asks what your "plan" is.
If I had a penny.
10. You feel like you are stuck between being an adult and a child.
You're honestly not sure how to act in certain situations. Do you still sit at the kids table during Thanksgiving or do you have to make actual conversation with the adults? Is it still appropriate to eat fruit snacks and be a die-hard candy addict? We may never know.
11. You get anxious trying to figure out your future and wish there was some book you could read.
Even though there isn't a guide that will help us through this confusing time, it's best to just go with the flow of life and explore now while you can. Now is the time to go crazy, travel, fall in love and be as confused and lost as you want. Embrace it because it will be gone before you know it.
