24 years old, quarter life crisis?

[holy_warrior]

I am currently 24 years old and I never feel so behind in my life. I am still in college going to my junior year and I have a career path in mind. I have been working in an internship and work with a job that dedicate to my career choice. I volunteer my times at a homeless shelter, but being there for 2 years I kind of lost my edge. I feel so unsatisfied. As of right now, I should graduate college, get into graduate school, and be within my career.

I should also have a good sets of friend and a girlfriend by now. To let you know, I never have a girlfriend. I also want to do so many traveling, adventures, and hobbies I wanted but for some I am afraid to explore. I am still living under my mother's roof because it is too expensive to live elsewhere and plus I am scared to put myself out there in the world.

I should be independent by now with starting a career or be in graduate school. I saw many of my friends in happier parts of life while I am still drowning with my own misery.

What can I do to change my life around?

[Iruka U]

Don't worry, all my friends are having a quarter life crisis as well. We're all 25/26/27/28.

You'll realize that life isn't always going to work out the way you wanted. You shouldn't compare yourself to others. It is not a race. So long as you are on a path to better yourself, you are fine. Just stay on that path and work hard.

I'm 25, graduated from Berkeley in Psychology and I work as a therapist for children with mental disabilities. I didn't study hard and didn't plan on getting a Master's. Right now, I make a measly $25K. I have to work 2 jobs and weekends to hit $30K+.

I'm planning on going back to school and I'm STILL figuring out stuff. I'm almost 26 btw. I think I have what it takes to go to medical school and I'm trying to do a post-bach. You are in the same boat as A LOT of people. I went to a pretty prestigious university and I'm not that well off. Many of my friends went to great schools too and we're still struggling.

What you have to do is stop comparing yourself to your peers. We live in an age of social media, where people tend to brag about their accomplishments online. People forget how to be humble. Don't be discouraged by all the "I passed the bar!" or graduate school photos of your old friends on FB. Just focus on what you want to do and where you wanna be. And stick with it!

Anyone who was experienced true success didn't hit success in their 20s. Look at your parents or other adults. They struggle and grind! Eventually, you'll catch your big break. But you have to be realistic. 20 year-old somethings aren't meant to be successful. Lots of kids nowadays are delusional and think "I'm gonna be 29, make $100K/yr, drive to the club in my BMW and impress all the girls, have my awesome apartment, etc." These people are trying to accomplish something that's not really normal for 20 yr-somethings. 20s are the age where we learn and make mistakes. Expect success to come along later, in your 30s...then all the pressure will be cleared. And with this economy, more and more people are living at home later, so don't be discouraged.

From now on, be efficient with your time. Cut out any unnecessary activities like video games, etc. that won't help you in your future. Read books. Study. Work out. Something that will help you improve and grow everyday. And you'll be good. Go at your own pace.