So one of my best friends just turned 25 recently. Out of the original four of us buddies he is the baby of the group so I've taken to calling him little bro. After speaking to him recently he seems to be headed into the same problem most people around my age(mid-twenties to early 30's) are facing...a QUARTER LIFE CRISIS!!!(Dun, Dun, Dun)
Now I was introduced to this phrase as a lyric from a John Mayer song("Why Georgia," so at least he can add coining a phrase to an unknowing audience to his resume aside from dating Hollywood blonde's). Very much akin to the mid-life crisis, the quarter life crisis affects those from their late teens to their early thirties. It is a time mostly dealt with fear, anxiety, insecurity, self-doubt, and in some cases, depression. The length of these episodes can last anywhere from a few days to a few months or longer. This problem is usually brought upon by those experiencing major changes in their lives with difficulties dealing with said changes(i.e. graduating, unemployment, the whole WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH MY LIFE?!?!?! thing) I have seen friends and co-workers become victims to this problem and various solutions taken upon by the same people(mostly large amounts of alcohol and curling into a ball on the bathroom floor weeping uncontrollably) But enough about me ;P
This issue is mostly associated with getting older and the lack of benefits that occur with a rise in age. Think about it, at 16 you get your learner's permit/pink slip - one step closer to vehicular freedom, at 18 you can finally buy all the cigarettes, lotto tickets, and porn you want(well at least you're doing it legally now), and at 21 it's party time. You can buy all the alcohol you want (again, at least your doing it legally this time). But at 25 what is there to look forward to? Lower car insurance? Freshly graduated with no secure job? Fear of being alone the rest of your life if you don't find a partner the minute that clock hits midnight signifying the exact moment you turn 25?!? (Ok, that last one was a bit much but it could happen.)
Well all I can say to those who are experiencing it is it'll pass. Just try to suck it up, get a hair cut, and get a job. At least this way you'll keep yourself occupied until you know what you really want to do. And if you really don't want to grow up yet, go for your masters right after you graduate from college. Then you'll have two more years to go before you have your 2nd quarter life crisis(happy, happy, joy, joy)
Below is a video I made for my Radio, TV, and Film class while I was going through my crisis. The professor thought I was being so real with my piece she gave me an "A." Just another example of art imitating life (Warning: Graphic Scenes may cause uneasiness, seriously)
