Post-Graduation Career Transition Process and Quarter-Life Crisis

European Association for Research on Adolescence (EARA 2022). , Dublin, Ireland, 24 - 27 August 2022, pp.501

After university graduation, many emerging adults find themselves in an unstable position. The endless

decision-making process, uncertainties about the future, instability, and constant change can cause

individuals to feel lost, helpless and indecisive, and this transition period may turn into a crisis (Robbins

& Wilner, 2001). In order to explain the developmental crisis experience of individuals in their twenties,

the concept of “quarter-life crisis” has begun to be used in the literature (Robinson, 2019).

The most prevalent causes of the quarter-life crisis are career-related or financial issues (Robinson &

Wright, 2013; Yeler, Berber, Özdoğan & Çok, 2021). Emerging adults may experience difficulties in

reaching expected adult roles and career developmental tasks (Arnett, 2004). This may lead to problems

with identity, negative feelings, and eventually quarter-life crisis (Murphy, 2011). The present research

aims to reveal how individuals experience the post-university career transition process and the quarterlife

crisis in this process.

The study group consists of thirteen emerging adults who are between 22-35 ages. Six participants were

unemployed others were working in various fields. All of them stated that they are/were in a crisis postuniversity

transition process or while they were employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted

and the interviews lasted approximately fifty minutes. The participants asked about the post-university

transition process, crisis experience, the factors that made this transition difficult, and their coping styles.

The data were analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological approach. The main themes that

emerged are; the pattern of crisis, physical and mental health, coping strategies, social relationships,

economic and financial issues, the interaction between career and other areas of life, cognitive

processes, self and identity, external barriers, and working conditions, meaning, and questioning.

Participants stated that they often experience difficulties after graduating from university as life becomes

unpredictable and uncertain. Despite being aware of many career alternatives and constantly trying to

get a job, many participants faced rejection in their career path. Being rejected resulted in

disappointment and low self-esteem. Many participants reported that they felt stress, loneliness, anxiety,

hopelessness, and depression associated with the crisis. Coping strategies are focused on categories

such as positive self-dialogues, hobbies, avoidance, and social support. Participants talked about their

financial difficulties and how they feel as if they are a financial burden on their families. In general, the

results are in line with other studies in the literature. But according to the findings of this study, the

quarter-life crisis may start even before graduation.