#Quarter-Life Crisis

[startrekuniverse]

Requested by @cartoonosaurusrex The source of all this psychic disturbance... Is me.

[lazysharkart]

Get yourself a partner who supports you at your worst and lets you keep the cat.

[gods-no-longer-tread-here]

when Taylor Tomlinson said "I've never been drunk because I'm pretty sure I'm an alcoholic" and "Do you know how afraid of your own personality you have to be, to be hunched over a blueberry--the smallest of fruits--holding a plastic knife from Taco Bell like "Ooh, be careful. You don't wanna be fun to hang out with"?" and "I'm not the life of the party, I'm the barely-there pulse of a potluck" and "Do you feel fine? I feel fine! Do you feel fine? I feel fine! Do you feel fine? I feel fine! If we keep saying it do you think it'll become true? Am I laughing, I've been practicing!"

[sunsetseeker]

The Invisible Curriculum: Lessons Learned After Graduation

The Great Unknown

The abrupt transition from the structured world of academia to the vast, uncertain expanse of post-college life is a shock to the system. Armed with a degree but lacking real-world experience, I found myself adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

At twenty-two, still under the comforting roof of my parents' home, I grapple with a silent pressure. While grateful for their support, the ambitious dreams I once harbored now feel like distant echoes.

It’s a truth conveniently omitted from the college curriculum: the transition to post-graduate life is a formidable challenge. The carefully constructed plans of our college years, based on theoretical knowledge and hypothetical scenarios, evaporate upon graduation. The real world, it turns out, is far less predictable.

The pressure to "figure it out" is immense. Peers are securing jobs, buying homes, and building lives that seem to move at an accelerated pace. Social media, a constant reminder of others' successes, can be a double-edged sword. It's a battle between internalizing these achievements as inspiration or allowing them to fuel feelings of inadequacy.

The fear of failure looms large. With every job application rejection, self-doubt creeps in. The question of whether I've chosen the right path echoes in my mind. It's a time of questioning one's identity, purpose, and place in the world.

 Lost and Found

Psychology, a subject chosen more for its pragmatic appeal than passion, became the framework for my undergraduate years. My heart, however, yearned for storytelling, a world of imagination and emotion where I could lose myself. The academic rigors of psychology, while intellectually stimulating, stifled my creative spirit. Unfinished stories lay scattered in notebooks, haunting reminders of a part of myself I had temporarily abandoned.

Graduation felt like a sudden drop into an abyss. The structured world of academia, with its clear goals and defined paths, was replaced by a vast, open expanse filled with endless possibilities—and equally endless uncertainties. The ticking clock of my peers securing jobs induced a mix of envy and desperation. Casting aside caution, I applied for roles far below my qualifications, driven by a desperate need for experience.

The toll of this job-hunting frenzy was immense. Rejection after rejection chipped away at my self-esteem. The pressure to find something, anything, to fill the void of unemployment was overwhelming. Sleepless nights, accompanied by a constant low-grade anxiety, became the norm.

It was during this period of profound disillusionment that I began to question my choices. Had I made a grave mistake by pursuing psychology? Was I destined for a life of unfulfilled potential? These questions echoed in my mind, creating a sense of internal turmoil.

Finding My Footing

Unemployment, unexpectedly, became a period of introspection. With no professional identity to uphold, I had the freedom to explore my strengths and passions without external pressures.

The initial days were filled with a sense of aimlessness. But as the weeks turned into months, a pattern began to emerge. I found myself gravitating towards creative outlets. Writing, once a neglected hobby, became a daily practice. I delved into the world of blogging, experimenting with different styles and topics.

The decision to share my writing online was a leap of faith. The digital world is a vast and competitive space, and the fear of rejection was ever-present. But with each published piece, a sense of accomplishment grew. I discovered a joy in crafting words and sharing my thoughts with the world.

Through my writing, I found a way to combine my love for storytelling with my knowledge of psychology. By exploring complex psychological concepts in an accessible and engaging way, I was able to connect with readers on a deeper level. It was as if I had found my voice, a voice that resonated with others.

Slowly but surely, a following began to grow. What started as a personal outlet transformed into a platform where others found solace, understanding, and a sense of community. People began to share their most intimate thoughts and experiences, trusting me to hold their stories with care and respect. It was through this profound connection that I realized the true impact of my writing. My psychology background provided a framework for empathy and understanding, creating a safe space for others to be heard.

[fallenoutoflove]

Do people actually like being alive after 25

[lonesomedreamereccentriclover]

Taylor Tomlinson

[doggerell]

Cast Iron // Allie + Quarter-Life Crisis

You wanna stay open to everything And I think, I know what you really mean

[achampagneblonde]

Do I need to move country, or am I just turning 30?

30 is looming and I don’t know how I feel about it. My life feels as messy as my hair and the mirror in this lift selfie On a phone call with my mother a few days ago I told her that I was feeling stagnant, displaced and restless, major ‘itchy feet’. I feel as though something major in my life needs to change, but I’m not sure what. She told me that it’s probably because I’m fast approaching 30…

[samazine]

you have time.

[spaupa-the-nerd]

I'm getting better and better at acquiescing

And it's terrifying

I'm getting older, aren't I?

[pithia]

I'm not against working hard, but I know what it's felt like to have that identity of being a Hard Worker dominate my choices. And then when my hard work didn't pay off with the expected success, I fell apart. My identity crumbled around this mentality, in what I've seen to be a common quarter-life crisis.

—Chelsey Goodan (Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls)

[xiao-yanzi]

i can't believe the draw this website has on me, i started a tumblr 12 years ago and here i am again back on my bullshit

it's honestly nice to see that there's still some mutuals from way back still actively posting like love that miss you guys

[teddybearnightmares]

We seriously need to come up with like a signal to let the person that we're dating know we're kinky af, and a planned signal back that confirms "yes, i'm also kink af" or "yes, i'm willing to satiate your kinks but I'm really vanilla".

I know you're probably reading this thinking "well, why the fuck wouldn't you just talk to eachother like a normal fucking person".

............ Bold of you to assume a normal person was writing this shit...

ANYWAYS!!

I just don't want to waist time with speaking to someone who isn't interested in any of the kinks I have and vice versa.

Like what should it be? A nose scatch when you ask about our hobbies and if you know then you scratch your knuckles when we answer? Or we could have different signals for different kinks? So you would really have to know... to know

I Don't fucking know and I have no dating experience so all of this just sounds exhausting tbh...

Probably going to die a v*rg*n (shrugs).

Maybe while still in the talking phase you randomly mention artichokes in the middle of the conversation?

Fuck it. I'm out of ideas. What do people normally do when trying to date knowing they have a grocery list of kinks?

I know that you wouldn't dump all of it onto them, but at least you would want to have a couple of your kinks fulfilled... Then slowly go from there right?

And I know you're probably thinking that it's ridiculous for someone who can't even bring up her kinks to try to date someone else who is also just as kinky as them since kinks involve very clear communication with your partner. Also if I'm a virgin, you're probably thinking it's not a good Idea to jump into dating someone with kinks and that my first time should be vanilla.

That never interested me so no thank you.

Growing up sheltered fucks up your relationship with sex in general. Makes it worst if you find out you have kinks. I'm working on it but I feel I've only been open about my kinks with the google search bar....

Take this all with a grain of salt. I was kinda sorta joking while having a quarter life crisis lol!

[secretly-a-trekkie]

mid crisis but here's firefighter AU despite 75% of the firefighters i know being absolute douchebags

[quarterlifecenter]

3 Mistakes that Parents of Quarterlifers Make

If you’re a parent of a quarterlifer, you may be looking at your son or daughter in distress. These 20- or 30-something Millennials and Gen Z-ers are at a pivotal point in their lives, and along with everything else going on, the last couple of years haven’t been easy on them. Yet, as much as you want to help, sometimes your actions may be making the situation worse (doesn’t every parent love to hear that!). In this blog, we’ll discuss the top 3 mistakes that parents of quarterlifers make and how you can redirect your energy and actions to actually improve their situation.

1. You offer too much help

We all know these types of parents — and you might be one of them. Those that are overbearing and micromanaging. Of course, they mean well and want to help their child. It’s difficult to see your child struggling, and as a parent, you want to do anything you can to help them.

However, now that your children are emerging adults, they’re developing independence and autonomy. This is the time to let them take the reins and help them find the resources to do things on their own. Let your kids fall down, skin their knees, and figure it out themselves. It may not be easy for them (or you!), but it’ll be better for everyone in the long run.

2. You don’t let them help themselves

No one wants to be an enabler, but this is often what parents of quarterlifers are. They do things for their children that they should really be doing for themselves. If your quarterlife child is living with you or you’re financially supporting them, make sure you set boundaries and talk about expectations. You can be helpful to your child and support them without doing everything.

For example, if they are living with you, discuss how they should help around the house and demonstrate responsibility for taking care of the home. What chores should be completed on a weekly basis? How will they work towards their goals while living with you? The best way to support them is by ensuring they are continuing to grow themselves!

3. You wait too long to open up communication

If you see your quarterlifer is struggling, then you may think it’s best to leave them be. Unfortunately, this is a common mistake that parents make. They take too long to open up communication and offer their support. Having a quarterlife crisis is very real, and it is often accompanied by depression and anxiety that must be treated with therapy, medication, or both. Reach out to them and let them know that you’re here, concerned, and ready to support them in a way that works for both of you.

Final thoughts

Do you have a quarterlife child that you’re trying to help? Early adulthood is a common time that low levels of anxiety and depression can become more acute. Your child isn’t alone!

Visit the Quarterlife Center for more resources. Contact us here.

If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or you’d like more information, please contact us.

[sleepysigh]

28 years of asking questions

What is all this?

Who am I?

What do you want me to do?

How can I help?

How can I do what I need to do?

How can I make up for my existence?

How can I be better?

How can I escape?

Who am I?

How can I exist?

How can I help?

How can I get help?

How can I make up for needing help?

Does it have to be this way?

Why does no one stay?

Why does no one like me anymore?

If it has to be this way, how do I bear it?

How do I hide my desperation?

How do I feel love again, when I've lost it?

Who am I?

What does love mean to me now?

How do I stand up for myself?

How do I find people I enjoy?

How do I find people who enjoy me?

How do I become more respectful?

How do I become less self-centered?

How do I forgive when I don't want to?

Who am I?

How do I accept solitude?

How do I accept invisibility?

What if I can't?

Who will be there to hold my hand?

What if no one ever is again?

What if I can't change anything?

What if I can't change?

What if it's too late?

Who am I?

Why haven't I done what I meant to do?

Why aren't I doing it now?

What's stopping me?

Why won't it make me feel any different?

Why can't I change how I'm living?

Why do I hate the things that are good for me?

Why did I think I could handle this?

What am I supposed to tell myself?

Who am I?

Why?