College grads face new challenges in struggling market
Jessica Unterreiner
A quarter life crises, a term which stems from the well-known mid-life crisis, is characterized by feelings of uncertainty and anxiety about one’s future.
Michael Hedden, a Licensed Professional Counselor, said a quarter life crisis mostly deals with, “…transitioning into adult hood from adolescence and college years into being a full-fledged adult and having to take responsibility for everything in your life”.
“I think a lot of uncertainty is also career based…” he added.
Most young adults experience a quarter life crisis in their mid-twenties, but it can begin in late teens and even affect those in their late twenties, according to Hedden.
Molly Denton, a current student at ASU, expresses feeling of uncertainty when it comes to her future. She said, “I thought I knew what I wanted to do, but I’ve been wanting to change my whole plan recently”. She is now seeking a degree in Business Law, but when asked about future career plans, she says she’s “not so sure anymore”.
Scott Jeffries remembers soon after graduating, questioning how to spend his new free time. “Prior to [graduation] I had my life planned out every day… and all of the sudden the school part wasn’t there anymore,” said Jeffries.
Jeffries, an ASU graduate with a degree in Film and Media Studies recalls a period of time after he graduated when he experienced a quarter life crisis. “I graduated and then life came to a halt for me,” said Jeffries. He remembers thinking, “I have this fancy degree… so I should have this executive job or something, but I was making copies at Kinkos”.
Pressure to have everything figured out right after graduation is common. When asked where this pressure comes from, Denton replied, “Friends don’t directly put pressure on you, but when you compare yourself to them, you just don’t feel like you have it all together”.
Students and recent grads may worry about a multitude of things; money, careers, relationships; but it’s different for everyone. While Denton is concerned with choosing a career that makes her happy, she mostly worries about the financial aspect after graduation. “There’s a lot more pressure now because of the economy… so you really have to set yourself to even get a job at all. It’s just another thing added to the list that makes me worried about growing up,” she said.
Much like a mid-life crisis, young people may consider making a drastic change. Jeffries said the summer after graduation, “I had a friend who had also recently graduated… and he was going to go to Costa Rica for a year and surf, and I thought, shit, that’s what I’m going to do… even though I don’t surf, I’ve never surfed”.
However, there is good news for those who may feel dazed and confused about their future. Hedden compares it to a, “…big reality check… and it can be a positive thing and cause students to be introspective and question why they are doing what they’re doing”. Going through a quarter life crisis may cause young people to reevaluate their life and make positive changes.
Both Jeffries and Denton answered ‘yes’ when asked if they think there are any positive aspects related to their quarter life crisis stages. “I definitely think this stage has made me take a look at my life, and look at what I like rather than what others want for me,” said Denton.
