A quarter-life crisis is a period of significant doubt, anxiety, and uncertainty that typically occurs in a person’s mid-20s to early 30s. Usually brought on by comparing oneself to other peers, internal pressure, transition and change, social media and fear of failure.

With my 25th birthday just four months away, the pressure of societal expectations is becoming more intense. All the “why’s” echo louder: Why haven’t I done more? Why haven’t I achieved this? Why am I expected to accomplish that?

The weight of being twenty-five and the complexities of a quarter-life crisis make navigating this period particularly challenging. Balancing a 9 to 5 job, online studies, and my passion for writing is a struggle.

I recently came across many graduation posts from friends I studied with in high school. While witnessing their joy and success was heartwarming, it slowly turned into a painful reminder of my own shortcomings. Again, I couldn’t stop thinking about all the things I haven’t achieved yet.

I have to stop those thoughts by reminding myself that even though I may not have graduated from university this year or have my desired career yet, I have still actually come a long way.

I have to consider my challenges. While others may have had support from their family, I didn’t have any assistance in transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Everyone’s life circumstances are different, so comparing myself to others is not only unfair but also an injustice to my unique experience.

To combat the feeling that I was not doing enough with my life, I decided to take a 420-hour TEFL (Teach English in a Foreign Language) course. With this diploma I will be able to travel internationally to teach English. I can’t wait to buy a camera and meet people from different cultures.

I initially thought the course would be a walk in the park, but I didn’t realize how time-consuming it is. Completing the course has been my most challenging task so far. The course itself is amazing, with a well-structured and easy-to-follow format. Each module is packed with valuable information, and it feels good to be learning and growing. When I feel low, like I don’t want to study, I think about all the opportunities awaiting me once I get the certificate. Visualizing my ideal life helps me get through a lot.

I work full-time at an NPO called The Almond Tree Children’s Village, a place of safety for vulnerable children who are affected by drug abuse, poverty, abandonment, and many other difficult circumstances. I love my job and feel that I am making a difference, but I am also acutely aware of the challenges that come with working for a non-profit organization, especially one that deals with trauma. There are the personal and emotional triggers that come with working in a traumatized environment and also the struggle of often having to do more work than what my job description entails because the sector is understaffed due to limited funding.

While I sometimes feel both emotionally and physically exhausted, I am lucky enough to have discovered an activity that makes me feel refreshed; writing. Writing has always been a passion of mine. And although I enjoy it, it does come with some guilt. How can I write while my studies are waiting? I have to stop those thoughts and remember that I have to take care of myself. I have to work hard, play hard and care hard. Writing is how I relax and find joy, and that is just as important and deserves just as much time as my work and studies.

See, while there are a lot of expectations placed on 25-year-olds about having it all together and knowing what we want, some might be further ahead due to the opportunities they had during their upbringing. Each individual has their own journey. Life is not a race, and turning 25 shouldn’t feel like one either.