About this title: Through interviews and anecdotes about money, jobs, and living arrangements, Robbins and Wilner discuss the unique problems that face 20-somethings after they leave the comfy auspices of their universities and enter the craggy world of real life.
Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is described below.
"A good book. I can say that about 2/3s applied to my own life situation right now. More so the being stuck in a job not related to my college degree at all. At least there are others out there too, I think that is what the book is all about. I'm sure any of us are really prepared for the jump out of high school or college into being an "adult"."
"Must read when you are in your twenties and feel out of place. Doesn't matter what part of your twenties...everyone feels out of place at some point."
"I would highly recommend this to anyone who is in their senior year of college or somewhere in their twenties. I felt like they were not just talking about my lfie, but talking to me, right from the moment I started reading the introduction. All the feelings that I have been struggling with for the past year or two were mentioned throughout the book, with the constant refrain: "You are not alone."
Unfortunately, the book was written pre-9/11 and pre-financial crisis, so some of the things that they talk about are sort of dated. But surprisingly little has changed otherwise in the last 10 years, so I was very appreciative of the stories in the book.
Be aware that the book isn't meant to offer any answers. But it also doesn't offer platitudes. It did give me a sense of perspective on my own problems, without making me feel guilty or wrong, and without offering some dumbed-down "oh, you'll be okay, don't worry so much." I'd suggest reading the book with friends, and maybe discussing it as a group of twentysomethings who are dealing with these exact issues.
After reading a bunch of other people's reviews of the book and how much they hated it because it seemed like a bunch of people whining, I'd just like to point out that you're right. But perhaps what is important isn't the whining, but rather the fact that if this many people who are highly educated and socialized are feeling disenfranchised, maybe something needs to change. Sure there are a lot of worse problems (hunger, nuclear war, etc.), but if you help these people have a direction and purpose, won't that be just that many more people to make the world a better place? For me, "stop whining and get a job" means nothing - I have a job and a life and I work hard, etc. I'm "happy." But I'm also lonely as I've ever been, doubting my abilities, and hearing the same thing from many, many of my peers. Is there something wrong with us, or society, or both?
It's a fairly short book, so it's not much of a commitment. And if you're in your twenties and feeling lost, or discontented, or lonely... pick it up."
"Why I Read this Book: So many of us think we have the answers before we even realize we don't fully understand all of the problems. I looked to this book for help with these problems at an age when I needed it most.
Review:
No matter what age you are as you read this or what experiences you have had in your lifetime, you can be pretty sure you have gone through a quarterlife crisis. It is actually a pretty funny thing to think about. If you were like me when I first read this book, the idea of a quarterlife crisis was completely foreign. I had recently graduated from university and a close friend of mine gave this book to me as a gift and introduction into life's next chapter. I did not initially plan to read it, but one day I found myself with some extra time and decided to dig in. As is the case so often in life, what I discovered was not at all what I expected. It turns out that the idea of a quarterlife crisis is very real and a great majority of people in their twenties go through it one way or another. On one side I was a bit upset for having started the book in the first place since it was not until then that I realized I too was experiencing my own quarterlife crisis of sorts. Although as I continued on, it was comforting to know that some of the insecurities I was feeling as a recent graduate being humbled with a career search and lifestyle changes, was normal.
It is amazing that it often takes someone (or two people in this case) to decide to stand up and do something different and recognize an issue for others to relate to it. I have to hand it to Robbins and Wilner, the two women who wrote this book. I believe that it was their very own challenges as twenty- somethings and their need for comfort and answers that compelled them to write it. It is such a service to those readers who are going through the same issues and trying to understand them.
If you are in your twenties you may read this review and think to yourself "yeah I am sure there are plenty of people my age who have issues qualifying as a quarterlife crisis, in fact I can name a few right now, but I am certainly not one of them. I did great in school, I have a career lined up and I know what I will be doing for the next five or so years." Then for those of you who are in your thirties, forties or older as you read this, you are probably thinking "that is one of the most bogus and naïve thoughts for a recent graduate to have." That's the funny part of every year of experience we gain. All we really gain is more understanding of the fact that there is so much we do not know. I was that twenty-one year old who graduated in the top of his class and had a very "clear" idea of what was next. It did not take me long to realize how wrong I was, and reading through this book greatly helped me understand these concerns.
I give the above example because I believe that everyone in this world can benefit from additional information in whatever they do. This is especially true for the less-experienced. Quarterlife Crisis does a fantastic job of brining to light so many of the things recent graduates had, have, or will have to face in their early roads to success. You can be sure that not all of the topics in this book will apply to you, but you can be equally sure that at least a portion of them will. And for the parts to which you cannot personally relate, I encourage you to still take note because chances are that at least some of the people are around you will be feeling those pains. Bringing these issues to light will not only serve you to better understand yourself but also to better understand those around you. And in a world where the path to success is paved with a firm and clear understanding of yourself and those around you, I do not see how you could afford to miss this first step of the journey.
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