Quarter-life crisis: Am I running out of time?
I never thought I’d experience a quarter-life crisis, but here I am, 29, turning 30 in August, questioning everything. I keep asking myself, “Is this all I can do? Am I only meant for this?” I see my batchmates and other people my age living their best lives—financially stable, traveling whenever and wherever they want, pursuing their passions, and seemingly having everything figured out. Meanwhile, I’m here, feeling stuck in the daily routine of household chores, taking care of my son, fetching him from school, washing clothes, cooking, washing dishes, and cleaning the house.
But don’t get me wrong—being a full-time and present mom is a blessing. I get to be with my son 24/7, watch him grow, and witness every milestone in his life. I cherish these moments, and I know deep down that many parents would love to have this privilege. Yet, I can’t shake the thoughts that linger in my mind. Can I do more? Can I be more? Is this really the life I’m meant to live, or is there still something waiting for me out there?
⌛Feeling Stuck and Wanting More
I had so many dreams in my early 20s—things I wanted to accomplish, places I wanted to go, and experiences I wanted to have. But life had other plans. Responsibilities came first. I had to make choices that didn’t always align with what I originally envisioned for myself.
One of the biggest reasons I couldn’t pursue my initial plans was my son. As much as I love him, I often wonder—what if I had done things differently? If I had pursued a career first, would I be in a better place now? If I had traveled more, taken risks, and explored different opportunities, would I feel more fulfilled? These “what ifs” can be exhausting, but they are real, and I know I’m not the only one who feels this way.
I do have a remote job as a Digital Marketer, which helps support our needs. I’m grateful for it, but at the same time, I feel like I’ve been in my comfort zone for too long. I want to explore more, take short courses, and learn new skills. But then reality hits—who would look after my child if I decided to work outside? How would I balance learning, working, and being a mom all at the same time? The struggle is real, and it feels overwhelming.
⌛Is It Too Late to Start Over?
One of my biggest fears is feeling too old to start again. I see younger people succeeding, doing things I once dreamed of, and I wonder if I missed my chance. I know deep down that growth doesn’t have an age limit, but society has a way of making us feel like there’s a timeline for success.
In my early 20s, I thought I’d have my life figured out by 30. I imagined myself in a stable career, financially secure, and able to enjoy life freely. But now that 30 is just around the corner, I realize that life doesn’t always go according to plan. And that’s okay.
The thought of starting over is scary. What if I fail? What if I’m not good enough? What if I’m just wasting my time? These doubts creep in, but at the same time, I remind myself—what if I succeed? What if this is the beginning of something amazing? What if I discover a new passion that changes my life?
⌛The Pressure of Comparison
It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, especially in the age of social media. We see people our age buying houses, starting businesses, traveling the world, and seemingly living perfect lives. Meanwhile, I’m here, feeling like my biggest achievement today was making a home-cooked meal and keeping the house clean.
But what we don’t see are the struggles behind those pictures. Everyone has their own battles, their own challenges. Just because someone looks successful doesn’t mean they don’t have their own doubts and insecurities. Success comes in different forms, and I have to remind myself that my journey is unique. My definition of success might not look like someone else’s, and that’s perfectly fine.
⌛Taking Small Steps Toward Growth
Instead of drowning in self-doubt, I’ve decided to take small steps toward my dreams. I may not be able to change everything overnight, but I can start somewhere.
✋Exploring Short Courses
I want to invest time in learning new skills. Whether it’s an online course, a workshop, or even self-study, I want to challenge my brain again.
✋Balancing Motherhood and Self-Growth
I need to find ways to prioritize myself while still being a good mom. It’s okay to have personal goals even while raising a child.
✋Breaking Out of My Comfort Zone
I’ve been in my routine for so long that it feels scary to try something new. But I know that growth happens outside of comfort zones.
✋Celebrating Small Wins
Instead of focusing on what I haven’t achieved yet, I want to appreciate how far I’ve come. Every little step matters.
⌛Embracing My Journey
I may not have everything figured out, and that’s okay. Life isn’t a race, and success isn’t measured by how fast we achieve things. I’m learning to embrace my journey, no matter how slow it may seem.
If you’re also going through a quarter-life crisis, feeling stuck, or questioning your path, know that you’re not alone. It’s normal to have these thoughts. It’s normal to want more. And most importantly, it’s never too late to start again.
We all have our own timelines, and just because we’re not where we thought we’d be doesn’t mean we’ve failed. Maybe this is just the beginning of something greater. Maybe this is the chapter where we finally take charge of our dreams, no matter how late it may seem.
So, to anyone feeling lost—let’s take this journey together. Let’s grow, learn, and remind ourselves that we are capable of more than we think. Life doesn’t end at 30, and neither do our dreams.
Who else can relate? Have you ever felt like you’re running out of time to chase your dreams?
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