Dealing with the "Quarterlife" Crisis

Our very good friend who runs the male midlife crisis blog Man-o-pause published an article today on "quarterlife" crises in "How to Survive Your 20-Something's Midlife Crisis".

Here is an excerpt from her post:

Mid-life crisis, quarterlife crisis, all around angst. I want to stop the world and get off. I want to run away from home. But I know that this knee-jerk reaction is a subconscious fear that I can't handle "it".

The "it" in this post is a child's 20-something, quarter-something, WTF-not again crisis. Many of my readers are struggling with their own insecurities about unmet expectations in midlife, and they may not have the emotional reserves or stamina to manage their adult children's quarterlife crisis as well.

Prior to reading Quarterlife Qualms, I was fuming about my son's irresponsible behavior, yet again. I just didn't get it. How hard is it to get a job and keep it for more than six months?

Quarterlife Qualms provides some insight into this "quarterlife crisis for twentysomethings:"

Competition in the job market has intensified with a 53% increase in college enrollment since 1970.*
Attaining a decent standard of living requires a college degree today.
To reach the level that their parents have achieved often requires a professional degree.
College didn't prepare them for the harsh realities of "real life" nor did their parents (emphasis mine.)

What can Boomer parents do? Lower one's expectations. Reward positive behavior and ignore the rest. Understanding and tolerance go a long way.

Funny. That's the advice I give when women ask, "How can I deal with my husband's midlife crisis?

Much like midlife crises, there are some that don't believe there is such a thing as a "quarterlife" crisis. But who cares about what label you put on it? The fact is that much like their middle aged counterparts 20-somethings encounter unexpected issues unique to their age group that can derail the best laid plans. Or in the case of 25-year olds, the crisis is in not having a plan and feeling that they damn well should.