Quarter-life crisis—a period in one’s mid-20s to early 30s marked by feelings of doubt and insecurity which can lead to anxiety or depression—affects as much as 87 percent of 25- to 33-year-old Filipino professionals today, according to a survey.
Financial issue is the most pressing concern of these individuals, said the commissioned study by LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network.
More than 60 percent find their quarter-life crisis marked by worries that they are not earning enough. More than half (54 percent) also feel unsure about what to do next in their lives or careers, while 53 percent are frustrated with their career options.
While half of respondents have an idea about what their dream job is, they are uncertain about how best to approach a career move. They report feeling stuck in their current roles (49 percent) with no transferrable skills, or feel that their current workplaces don’t offer enough support to help them progress (46 percent). Many want advice to help them figure out what to do next, but don’t know where to go for answers (71 percent). More than half (61 percent) are looking for career mentors, but are worried that they don’t have the connections to find one on their own.
In response to this need, LinkedIn has introduced its new Career Advice feature in the Philippines, to make it easier for professionals to connect with one another for advice.
“While there isn’t one simple solution to get over a quarter-life crisis, getting advice from people that have had similar experiences can help navigate these career crossroads,” said Linda Lee, LinkedIn’s head of communications for Southeast Asia and North Asia.
She added, “Getting an unbiased point of view from someone with the right experience can give you a fresh perspective. Remember that you are not alone in your struggles—it’s likely others have been in the same situation as you before.”
Those interested in looking for job negotiation tips, making a career switch, or pursuing one’s passions, among others, can use the feature to find professionals on LinkedIn who can help based on the type of advice needed or mutual interests.
While quarter-life crisis may not feel like a positive experience, you can turn your feelings of uncertainty to your advantage:
1. Take a step back and identify the root cause
It’s easy to be weighed down with all of the pressures of work and family expectations, often making you too close to the situation. Take a step back and write down what is making you most nervous, be it saving, not being happy in your current industry, or even your personal relationships. This will allow you to address the problem and stand you in good stead to talk to others.
2. Research
Once you have assessed your situation, it’s important to research your options and most importantly your passions. Whether it’s starting a new career altogether, taking a break, or progressing in your current role—it’s necessary to be aware of your possibilities.
3. Talk to others
It’s important to discuss feelings of discontent. Talking to others about certain issues not only helps you rationalize the problem but helps with the solution. Though it’s great that your friends and family are there to support you, it is also good to get an impartial perspective. LinkedIn’s Career Advice feature can be especially useful for finding people who can help enlighten you. Go to the dashboard on your LinkedIn Profile and find the Career Advice hub. From there, enter your preferences for the type of advice you’re looking to give or receive and LinkedIn will recommend members based on your interest, specifications, as well as your current profile. When you find a match, you’ll be alerted and you can then send a message to start a conversation about the advice you need.