In life, you hear so much about "mid-life" crises. People just tend to freak out when they hit a certain age later in life, and while I haven't experienced it first hand, from what I hear, I can say, it sounds pretty awful. Identity issues, spousal resentment, feelings of emptiness and boredom, overall depression... yeah, I'm just going to go ahead and RSVP "no" to that now.
Unfortunately, I'm starting to learn that these kinds of crises aren't reserved for those "over the hill". Going back to school this year, I was very excited, but I soon started to notice a pattern not only in myself but in many of my friends and peers as well. I'm officially calling it "The Mid-College Crisis", and it deserves some attention. Here's what I'm noticing, and I hope that if you're experiencing it as well, you realize, we CAN get through this.
1. Everyone is second-guessing their major
I've already changed my major once, and now I'm in a panic wondering if I did the right thing. Even friends of mine who have wanted to major in something their whole life are questioning their ability to do so successfully. Midway through college, though, you realize that it's too late to change your mind if you want to graduate on time.
2. People are coupling up like never before
Seriously, everyone seems to be in a relationship. The days of random hookups are apparently coming to an end, and people are becoming obnoxiously obsessed with their significant other.
3. People are feeling lonelier than ever
If you are, on the other hand, not coupled up with someone, you really start to feel it. Maybe that's more about cuffing season, though.
4. There's some strange adult transformation taking place
My face looks different in the mirror, my skin is changing, my priorities are changing, my wardrobe is changing; everything is changing! The adult transformation is real, and it's scary!
5. Finances are starting to actually matter
Mommy and Daddy aren't footing the bill for everything anymore. Given, I super appreciate the fact that my parents still help me out more financially than others', but they're starting to back off. My bank account looks sad, and I'm starting to make budgets and look for sales on food. Financial responsibility is boring!
6. Health is actually important
I've never been blessed with a fast metabolism, but some people who were blessed with one are starting to lose it. Beyond physical health, we really need to take care of our mental health at this pivotal time of life. Don't even get me started on dental health; all of my friends have been having disappointing trips to the dentist on their snapstories lately.
7. Tastes are becoming more refined
While my roommates and I still bought a framed poster of 101 Dalmations for our living room, we also bought Monet prints. Little Caesar's pizza no longer seems like a good meal, graphic tees are taking second place to work clothes, books are becoming deeper, and boxed wine is not something as acceptable to invest in as it once was.
8. Night times and mornings are becoming harder
*cue new coffee addicts*
Seriously, I was never good at mornings, but I can hardly make it past midnight anymore. My grandparents frequently stay up later than I do now. Why are we always tired??
9. Interesting backup plans are forming
In the last two weeks alone, I've had friends contemplate selling kidneys, selling used underwear, starting ridiculous businesses, etc. I, myself, have considered becoming a flight attendant and dropping out of school. The real world is scary, folks, but we can do this together.
