Most of us have heard of the proverbial "midlife crisis", the uneasy period of doubt and anxiety when we realize that our life is half over. But have you heard of the other phase of life beset with its own challenges that may have affected your young adult children or others you know?

Coined in 2001 by authors Abby Wilner and Alexandra Robbins, the "quarter-life crisis" occurs in the period of life ranging from the ages of 21-29, but may extend into the early thirties. This is a time when young adults are searching to establish their identity in the world, particularly in the work arena. Issues of self worth may become confused with job titles, earning potential and whether or not they are still living with their parents.

Just when it seems that the world is their oyster, young adults in a quarter-life crisis may feel overwhelmed by their options and alone in their decision-making. Insecure about the future and the unfamiliar territory of the marketplace, those facing into a quarter-life crisis may become depressed, act indifferent when faced with significant decisions, or appear to have their life together when the opposite is really true.

Making the shift from years in school where expectations and daily schedules were clearly delineated to a life in the "real world" of executing a job search and paying the bills, can lead to a crisis if they have never developed the skills to manage their lives and appropriate support is not available.

One of the key stabilizers to any crisis is information, and that is true in the case of the quarter-life crisis. Whether it is information that helps them understand their personality or identify their marketable skills, young adults can benefit from facts, trends and introspective insights.

I've asked my new career counseling associate, Amy Jaffe, who specializes in working with young adults, to identify a few TIPS to ease or avoid a quarter-life crisis:

1. Avoid the “Major” trap. Many recent college grads feel compelled to pick a job that’s based on the subject they majored in. Just because you were a Sociology major, you don’t have to be a sociologist! College was a time to develop fundamental skills like how to investigate and research, how to write, and how to balance schoolwork with social life. Most employers, especially for entry-level positions, place more emphasis on a candidate’s general abilities than their specific skill set.

2. Assess yourself. The teenage and college years are often spent trying to “fit in.” However, a satisfying career comes from recognizing your unique qualities and how you can contribute to an organization in your own way. Career assessment tools can help identify skills, interests, values, and motivators as they relate to work.

3. Get informed. Informational interviewing is the best-kept secret to job finding. By talking with people with different careers, clients learn the day-to-day reality of a variety of jobs—even juicy details like salary. It's useful to get help with a strategy for informational interviewing to learn about an occupation before diving into it.

4. Hone your marketing materials. Every job search requires an effective resume, an articulate cover letter, and polished interview skills. Young or first-time job seekers may have less confidence about their accomplishments and limited experience when articulating them to strangers. Good interviewing skills are not something you’re born with—practice makes perfect. Likewise, developing targeted resumes helps you feel more confident and prepared to meet a potential employer.

5. Find a mentor. Talk to someone 5 to 10 years older than yourself; they may have experienced the “quarter-life crisis” stage of life fairly recently. You’ll find out that they, and, indeed, most people, follow an unplanned winding path before finding the ideal career. A mentor can help guide you along your own path.

You can reach Amy who works with me in Yarmouth by phone: 415-407-8788 or email: amy@positivecareerdevelopment.com.

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