There’s a common misconception that life peaks at 25 and that by our 30s, we’re somehow “old.” I remember feeling that pressure myself when I was 27—disappointed that I hadn’t achieved the success I once envisioned. My career had been progressing well for five years, but then COVID-19 turned everything upside down. I found myself leaving Berlin and embarking on a completely new journey, determined to learn new skills that would give me more control over my time and career.
The choices we face in our 20s can be overwhelming: Should we pursue a 9-to-5 job or start a business? Work remotely or in an office? Prioritize career advancement or lifestyle? Seek money or fulfillment? If you’re grappling with these questions, you’re likely experiencing what many call a quarter-life crisis.
In popular psychology, a quarter-life crisis is defined as a period of anxiety over the direction and quality of one’s life, typically occurring between the early twenties and mid-thirties. Clinical psychologist Alex Fowke describes it as “a period of insecurity, doubt, and disappointment surrounding your career, relationships, and financial situation.”
But here’s the thing: feeling this way is completely normal. Your 20s are a time to seriously consider what you truly want out of life. Think of this period as a stepping stone—an opportunity for exploration and growth. With fewer obligations, it’s the perfect time to take risks in your career. And even if you fail, remember, you’re young enough to recover and try again.
Ultimately, the journey is different for each of us. Between the questions we ask ourselves and the answers we find lies the freedom to choose our path. So, if you’re feeling uncertain, know that you’re not too late—you’re right on time.
P.S. This was me on my way to some freediving in Nusa Lembongan, off the coast of Bali, last summer.
