Quarter Life Crisis
 

So... help.

I'm 25 years old, I work as an account executive for an ad agency in Los Angeles, I live right near the beach, I have my own car, I've made some wonderful friends out here and ... I'm utterly miserable!!!

I relocated to LA from Orlando 2 years ago. I love living out here, but I am so not happy with my job. I hate having to work 60 hours a week as the norm, I don't feel that I am paid enough and I have expressed these concerns to my employer. Nothing is changing anytime soon. I feel like it's time to move on after only 1.5 years in this position.

I've decided that writing is what I'm good at... as in some kind of journalism-magazine writing, perhaps. But how do I begin? Can I make enough money to live off? I really have very limited savings right now.

I think I should attempt to freelance a little and get a few clips under my belt. I've already approached my sorority's 1/4'ly mag and they told me they will keep me in mind as they need submissions. I want to check out some of the weekly rags in the area, too. But I want to be able to pitch an idea for a story to them... any ideas?

I CAN move somewhere else. There's nothing to tie me to LA. Any ideas for how to get out of this unhappy slump? I work such long hours and even though the people are nice here, I'm just so over it!

Thanks for letting me vent ;)

Look into a magazine freelancing class at a CC or University.

That will really help you familiarize yourself on the style of writing used in magazines. They would also help you figure out what kinds of articles you want to write and what magazines you want to gear yourself towards.

How you submit your articles varies widely on the individual magazines. Some won't take unsolicited articles, some want only an article outline, some want the entire article written, some want text and artwork, some want published clips along with the text, etc. . . For the small local publications, call up their editor or production manager and talk to them about possibly doing some freelancing. If they can't help you, they might be able to direct you to someone who can.

You have the right idea by starting small/locally. Volunteer to write some unpaid, if possible, just getting published is what you want starting out. Established freelancers can do quite well for themselves--they have certain magazines they are known at and can establish a good per word rate but it can take years (5 or more) to become established. Writers just starting out don't have that luxury--they usually have to work with a flat rate per article, regardless of length, which can be anywhere from $50-500 depending on the publication. It would have to be a part-time or side job at first until you become more established.

Prepare yourself for rejection. But don't become discouraged by it. Try somewhere else and keep at it.

I've actually been looking at this as something to pursue.

From what I understand, no big name will buy a written story. What you do is go to smaller places and basically sell an editor on an idea for a story. Any you just work your way up and try and get onto bigger places. You can also be a stringer for certain places. I had a friends who ran into Bosnia right when things got bad being a stringer for several major papers including reuters and Christian science monitor and he's doing pretty well.

For a while you'll be living on the poor if this was what you were doing only. I'm trying to submit opinion pieces and letters to the editor at business type places like the economist and bloomberg and I'm hoping I can build on that and see where it takes me.

-Rudey

Thanks for the advice!!!

I'm interested in journalism and/or copywriting. I just need to write! PR is an area of interest, too.

I definitely need a change in the job scene. I may move back to FL! I just don't know yet. But it can't get any worse, right?

Update.... I learned of a bunch of contract/temp companies that place working professionals in contract positions. I called today and left a message to come in and speak with a placement counselor. Has anyone ever tried this before (not secretarial/clerical temping, but placement?)

Thanks everyone! I'm so lucky to have the GC network to lean on :)

Read the book "The Go-Girl Guide: Surviving Your 20's with Savvy, Soul, and Style" by Julia Bourland. It's all about the Quarter Life Crisis. The way the author describes some of the events in her life will have you saying, "I thought I was the only one....". It's a good read and it will make you realize that almost everyone goes through this period in their life. :)

ETA:
adpiucf- Bonus for you: the author of the book had quit her job to become a freelance writer. ;)

I am totally where you are Adpi!
I am 25, my job is ok, but i am looking for something more. I dislike where I live and nothing is holding me here. I have an opportunity to move, but would be locked into a job and would not know a soul!
I am def. going to go pick up that book that ZTAngel recommends. Being in your mid 20's sucks!

Maggie, What do you have to lose by moving? Check and see if there is an Alpha Xi alum assoc. before you completely say no. That helped me sooo much when I first moved to CA. If it had not been for ADPi, I think I would've moved back to Florida in my first week out here! Alum rock! I got involved with the events, the chapters, the sisters. It has helped me through so much to be able to depend on my sisters!!! Plus I've met tons of people who aren't ADPi through it, too.

ZTAngel, thanks for the recommendation. I should know to ask a fellow UCF Greek ;)

Things are a little better. I'm getting to work on some PR stuff (so it's not 100% advertising account work related; thank goodness!!! Account work can be rewarding, but it can also be complete mind-numbing paperwork pushing!) so I'm happy. I also contacted that contract temp agency, so I will see what's out there. And I'm on my agency's ESOP commitee (we educate our agency on retirement/finances and plan company outings, vote on stuff, etc.) and we're planning some events coming up, so I've found some passion. Plus, the weather this week is mimicking that of my beloved home state (its WARM!!!!!), so I'm smiling a little. I even felt good enough to go running last night (which I haven't done in months because my ears freeze up in the cold and it HURTS!)

I'm soooo rambling right now. [end ramble]

Did you just call LA cold? lol!

I know what you mean about the mid-20's thing... I'm going to be 24 this year, and this is the first time I've really felt lost.

Thanks for the book reccommendation! I will read it.

-M

YES! (I grew up in Fort Lauderdale, where it's pretty much 80+ everyday!!!)

I think it's safe to say that I'll turn into a "Pi"-sicle if I ever attempt to live in snow!

I'm a writer (for a newspaper), and I agree with all of the posts here--see if you can start out writing for a small or community-based publication, not necessarily for pay, just for experience and exposure. As you will find out clips are so much more valuable than a paycheck when you're looking to move into a writing career!!! :)

I can identify with the quarter-life crisis thing. I am turning 24 in a few months and have really been thinking a lot about how my life is going and wondering if I'm doing the right thing a lot of the time. I am very happy in my job; that's not the problem. But I'm almost two years out of college and in a lot of ways still live like I'm in college: I party a lot, I bounce from guy to guy and can't seem to find one I like enough to commit to (and vice versa) and I still take financial help from my parents. I have fun. But I wonder a lot lately if I should really just grow up.

Sorry for the tangent, I kind of got off topic! :)

Adpi- I have already contacted the Alpha Xi alum group and they are welcoming with open arms! The pres of the alum org has already offered me names of sisters that are around the same age to at least get in contact,which i think is sooo awesome and great alum support! (and considering the alum group up here isn't great- its nice to see one that is!)
Also, I would be moving to the Ft. Lauderdale area- how funny is that?
So I guess I am moving without making the conscious descision!

I tell everyone I'm having a "quarter life crisis," too! :p Most other people my age have real jobs, even if it's just for a cell phone company or something, while I'm just a substitute teacher. They're all getting married, too, which makes me feel like a real schmuck because in my mind, I'm not "grown up" enough for that yet. Oy, it's pathetic. I'm 23, but I feel too old to play with the little kids and not old enough for the adults.

I think many of us are going through this. I'm turning 25 in September, and I have yet to have a full time job. I've been in school all this time, and will likely be in school another year to take a professional studies certificate (likely human resources management). I'm also looking for work, but I haven't had any luck so far. I haven't had a date in months and have yet to have a relationship that lasts more than a month or so. I live at home with my parents and I think they don't believe in this whole "quarter life crisis" thing since they were already married with their own place at 25.

I really think that about everyone our age is going through this same situation. I'm 25 as well and I've only been out of undergrad for almost two years. I'm not really fond of my job either, but I do know that I like it much better than the last one. My personal opinion is that when we judge what we should be doing based on what other people are doing and we are not up to where they are it looks like we are slackers. The great thing about being unattached is that if you don't like where you live or what you are doing you can change it with little ramifications. It might not happen overnight, but you will figure out what you want to do and at least you are finding out what you don't want to do. I just get so discouraged when people are young and don't take the opportunity to really figure out what they want to do. Both of my roommates hate their jobs, but they won't look for another one, they just complain about theirs. Most of you reading this have a great resource by being sorority members because there is some sort of support network wherever you go. Take advantage of it! I'm sorry if I sound like I'm on a tanget, but I think sometimes we all do things because that is what is expected opposed to what we really want to do. It'll all work out guys. The first or second job usually isn't the right one.

I'm so glad to hear that! My family lives in Coral Springs (near Boca), so when you move, we'll have to get together when I come home to visit! That is one of the great benefits of Alum Greek Life-- our brothers/sisters are everywhere!

Thanks for the support, y'all. Great news. A PR firm in Orlando has contacted me about setting up a phone interview. Progress. :)

There's actually a website -- quarterlifecrisis.com -- and it has message board with the same format as GC! Go check it out. WE ARE NOT ALONE!

Adpiucf- One ADPi contact who may be able to help you is the chair of the ADPi Philanthropy Committee. I don't want to post her info, but I know you can look it up- she's the one from District V. She has experience in the area of being published in magazines. There are also so many great ADPi (and other Greek) authors- maybe one would give you a helping hand!

Thank you WLFEO :) I met her at districts a couple of weeks ago; how funny!!!!

I appreciate everyone's support so much! Thank you thank you thank you!

THANK GOD I AM NOT ALONE !!!!

I seriously can relate to EVERYTHING that you are all posting. I think there should be a club or something that we can all join. I too am not nessacarly dissatisfied with my job more disenchanted, its a thousand times better than my last job, and I too am semi unattached to my own personal "Mr. Big" it's off an on and off and on, and oh yea did I mention there is no definition to our relationship!!!! Oh yea and that out of the 5 girls that were all close they are either all engaged, or living with their boyfriends. I have a cat! I am not unhappy with where I live, but I am not in love with it either... It is just so frustrating, trying to find that place where I want to be, as well as the person I want to be wiht...


here's to all of our happiness and finding what we all want.

Ok, I am proposing a new GC glo Kappa Lambda Chi (or Quarter life club!)....there are too many of us out there! we should at least have our own support group thread!

There IS a website!
 

There is a message board set up like GC-- quarterlifecrisis.com. It's great!

LOL!

Check it out, seriously!

http://www.quarterlifecrisis.com/forums/index.php

I've been out almost two years and still go out all the time. I know there are some people who also think I really need to grow up, but I don't want to either! :p

As far as getting involved in journalism; everyone here has said some good things, freelancing is definitely a great way to start. You have a better chance with small publications, but it's a way to get clips and build up a portfolio.

Like Rudy said, if you want to do something international, the best way is just to go there and write. I've been contacting back and forth with a foreign desk editor for a major paper, and that's how he and many of his colleagues started. It can be dangerous, but if you want the big job, you have to take the big risks sometimes. Paying your dues at a paper works too, but it depends how much time you'd like to spend doing it.

I personally couldn't wait for the reward; I have extensive journalism experience and have won several national and regional reporting awards. I may go back to writing at some point, but right now paying to stay in Boston was the way to go. If you can get the job you want, I'd say go for it; but be prepared to pay those dues.

If you have any questions feel free to PM me; despite not working in newspaper now, I have about 5+ years of past experience working in the business, so I may be able to help.

Collin

Tell them that they are being goofy. You can be grown and still "go-out". Just because you're out of college it doesn't mean that you should sit in your rocking chair and nit on weekend nights. I'm graduating less than a year from now, and I'm planning on doing the same "extracurricular activities", until have I have children.

I want to join the quarter life crisis club, too!

I'm 25 and I graduated from college 4 years ago. I've had a job for the past 4 years which I like, but is not what I want to do long term. I thought I finally had figured out what I wanted to do, so I applied to graduate school to get me to where I want to be. Things don't look too promising on that front, so I am trying to decide if I want to come back to my job for another year or try to get an entry-level job in a new field in a new city. Nothing is tying me to this city and I would really like to move somewhere where I can see all 4 seasons.

Anyway, I'm rambling now, but I just wanted to share that I know exactly how most of y'all feel. Hopefully, we'll grow out of this weird phase of life and be better off for experiencing it.

~ Annie :)

I actually did take your advice to check this site out. Its really cool. Thanks.

I would offer you advice, but hell, I'll be 30 on Sunday, and my life is still a lot like your "quarter lifers". I will tell you that stuff can change so quickly. Two months ago, I was single and in a job I hated!! Since then, I've met a new guy and gotten a huge promotion by taking a position with another company. Had you told me 2 months ago this would be where I would be sitting, I'd have laughed at you and said you were crazy :)

If anyone has any advice on how to stay 29, I'd greatly appreciate! :D

Pshaw. That's easy. Just subtract one year on every birthday. Heck, you'll be 21 again in no time and doing keg stands with the fraternity boys ... just like it was yesterday! :)

.... Did I really just say, "Pshaw?" *scratches head*

OMG yall its like the mothership is calling me home. I'm 25 and totally stressing over whether or not my life is going in the right direction. I moved to a whole new city right after graduation and sometimes I wonder if I woudl have been better off staying in my hometown with my cushy job at a PR firm that already loved me. But noooo, I decided to challenge myself. Sometimes I think its worth it, sometimes I don't know.

I think that is awesome advice. I wish I had thought of that when I moved! Maybe it isn't too late!

Another good book to read is Midlife Crisis at 30, I picked it up at B&N the other week and haven't put it down since. Its written especially for women in their mid to late 20s trying to figure out how to balance all the things we expected our life to be like, and how to handle it when it doesn't turn out that way.

And BTW, do ONLY women have quarterlife crises? Except for Rudey, there aren't any guys here. If they aren't feeling as lost as I am, I'm ready for some tips!

Guys have them too! If you haven't been to the quarterlife crisis message board, you should-- lots of guys on there who are just confused as the girls :)

I had a really good phone interview with a PR firm in Orlando yesterday! I'll keep you posted.

I think we just all need a little bit of change!
Maybe we can each adopt a Greek Buddy to help motivate us through this quarterlife craziness. Is anyone interested in this?

I am going through the quarter life crisis also! I am 25 1/2 and have been out of school for 2 years and have been in the same job for those 2 years. I even went back to school right away after my undergrad and got my masters degree....so it is really bad for me since I am stuck in a dead end job with no chance for advancement within my department...and people with the same amount of experience and less education make more money than me! I work in local government, and the pay as it is for most government jobs, SUCKS. I have recently applied for three jobs at local universities. Cross your fingers! I am ready to move on from this quarter life crisis....AND MY CURRENT JOB!

Does anyone know of a website that shows the top employable work traits that employees are looking for.

I think really need to improve on my skills such as my communication,

Let me know Thanks

I had a really good phone interview with for a marketing position in Miramar, FL. I am moving down there on saturday (yikes!) to work at my current job which just opened a new branch in Ft. Lauderdale.
I have an interview at the actual place on Monday- I will bearly have furniture by then!

I think I'm having a quarter life crisis and I'm not even 25 yet (I'll be 24 in September).

I feel like I need to do something but I don't know what it is. I'm going back to school, which I am very excited about, but yet it's not enough.

I hope I figure it out soon.

Well I am living in Florida. And I start my job on Tues. I have been in the office a few times, and I get a weird vibe from the people there. My company bought them out and fired a bunch of people, and now they brought me in. I feel like everyone thinks I am some sort of spy from the home office and I am really not. I am just here to help them get started up and reorganized. I have no idea what to expect when I get there on tues.

Also, I feel really odd about them asking for me to take a drug test. Granted, I don't do any drugs, but I took one at the home office when I was hired. Why do they want me to take one here too? I feel like if I tell the home office they are going to think I am tattling.

I don't know. other than that florida is awesome! I have been living on the beach and meeting really cool people. People are SOOO much friendlier here! Plus, my roomate is tons of fun.

wow, this is the best thread. i'm with yall 100%

i started a thread about how i just lost my job and now have to figure out what i'm going to do and where i'm going to go. i seriously thought about packing my car and just leaving. start driving and see where i ended up. throw caution to the wind and go for it, but i know i can't really do that right now.

so if anyone knows of any volunteer coordinator jobs (or something along those lines) at any local shelters or humane socieities, just let me know. i really don't care location. i'm ready to get the heck out of ohio.

shelley j
sigma k

ps - i'm so happy i found this thread

lol...some of y'all seem to young to have the crisis...but I understand...

I'm 26 and my life hasn't started yet - I feel like i've done nothing. Never really had a career job or anything...now i'm in grad school and have 8 mos. to go b4 i can get out into the workforce...


my friend had a mini breakdown last night - she was freaking cuz everyone we know is married or will be within the year (except for us)....what's worse for her is she doesn't want to marry or have family so she just doesn't understand;

"what ever happened to wanting to stay young forever" she kept saying.....

All I can say is WOW. I could not have found this thread at a better time! At the risk of sounding redundant, I have been feeling exactly like almost every one of you. And, like all of you, I thought I was the only one! My two very best friends are settled down into their lives and jobs and relationships. I just found out that my best friend in the whole world got engaged last weekend! I am beyond happy for her, but it raises that nagging voice in the back of my mind saying that I should be settled with someone right now. Even though I know for sure that I am not ready for that yet, it is still a little bit scary.
I've been out of college since December, and I'm still working retail part time while I look for a "real" job (no offense to anyone who works retail full time:) ).
The main thing I did that has kept me from going crazy is that I took the risk and moved to a big new city instead of staying in my college town or moving home. I moved to Austin 3 weeks ago and I only had one friend here. It was very scary, but just being in this city makes me happy, and that makes such a difference. I know that I would have been miserable if I had not made this decision.
I guess my point is that we are very lucky to be in this place in our lives... we can do whatever we want and go wherever we want. Every decision I make is only because of ME, and I LOVE that! Ok, there's enough rambling for me for now. lol.

So, as for the Quarter Life Crisis Club- I'm in! haha :D

Lindsey