Quarter-Life Crisis: The New Normal?

Why you’re not broken for feeling lost—and how trying is the first step to clarity.

Author

Ric Yu
June 07, 2025

“Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure.”

—Tony Robbins

Have you ever asked yourself:

  • “Bakit parang wala akong direksyon sa buhay?”

  • “Parang ang dali para sa iba, pero ang hirap para sa ’kin?”

  • “Okay naman ang trabaho ko… pero bakit parang kulang pa rin?”

If yes—you’re not alone.
You’re not broken.
And no, you’re not behind.

You might just be in the middle of what more and more people are quietly going through:

The Quarter-Life Reset.

This Comic Hit Me Hard

Comic by @sharnie205

Used for commentary and educational purposes. All credit to the original artist.

When I saw this, two lines punched me in the chest:

“Sino ba talaga ako at ano ang gusto ko sa buhay?”
“Bakit parang wala akong direksyon sa buhay?”

Because I’ve felt that too.

I’ve tried many things.
Jumped from one path to another.
And often asked myself:

"What’s my thing?"

But over time, something shifted.

I stopped panicking about finding the answer…
And started exploring better questions.

Why This Crisis Hits So Early Now

“We’re not burned out because we’re weak. We’re burned out because we were never taught how to live in alignment.”

—Brianna Wiest

Back then, people had fewer choices.
Now, we’re drowning in them.

And every day, you see someone:

  • Earning ₱100K/month

  • Traveling full-time

  • Buying a condo at 25

  • Launching a business at 19

Meanwhile, you’re just… figuring it out.

You start asking:

“Bakit parang paulit-ulit na lang ang buhay ko, walang pagbabago?”
“Am I falling behind?”

But here’s a reframe:

You’re not behind.
You’re just building something different.

What Helped Me Break Through the Fog

“You don’t become confident by shouting affirmations in the mirror. You become confident by having a stack of undeniable proof that you are who you say you are.”

—Alex Hormozi

Trying.

I didn’t wait for perfect clarity.
I tried things.

I worked as an aircraft mechanic (good money, wrong fit).
I moved to sales.
Then I transitioned to remote work—so I could be a more present father and husband.

I was lucky to have the time and space to explore.
And every step gave me more insight into:

  • What I liked

  • What drained me

  • Who I was becoming

If You’re Feeling Stuck—Start Here

“You can’t think your way into a new life. You have to act your way into one.”

—Tom Bilyeu

You don’t need to figure everything out this week.
But you do need to take action.

Here’s what helped me:

  • Don’t wait for clarity—move first

  • Try something new (even 4–10 hours/week)

  • Reflect, adjust, and keep going

  • Don’t be afraid to start over

  • Most importantly: define your direction

A Gentle Reminder: You’re Not Failing

“Quarter-life crisis isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a sign that you’re awake.”

You’re not meant to copy anyone’s path.

You’re meant to build your own.

And that starts not with pressure but with permission.
Permission to explore.
To go slow.
To change your mind.
To figure things out at your own pace.

You’re not lost.
You’re just becoming.

—Ric