Is This an Early Mid-Life Crisis? Signs to Watch Out For and What to Do Next

We’ve all heard the jokes about mid-life crises—convertibles, questionable tattoos, and dramatic career pivots. But what happens when those existential "what am I doing with my life?" thoughts hit in your late 20s, or even earlier? Is this really an early mid-life crisis, or are you just overthinking everything (again)?

I recently came across a study published in the New York post which revealed then Gen Z employees may be suffering an ‘early mid-life crisis’ due to burnout, rising costs of living and stress.

The study was a real lightbulb moment for me, being a Gen Z myself AND after recently leaving a high-paying job due to burnout.

Luckily I avoided the whole ‘early mid-life’ crisis thing myself. However, it’s pretty scary knowing that people my age are already having these thoughts.

I wanted to dig a bit deeper into the topic, explain the key signs to look out for and provide some tips on how to prevent a mid-life crisis in your 20s.

I also recommend checking out these 10 healthy lifestyle swaps that you could make TODAY to quickly improve your life.

What Is an Early Mid-Life Crisis Anyway?

First off, let’s clear something up—it’s totally normal to hit a point where life feels a little... uncertain. Maybe you’re looking around at your job, relationships, or general vibe and wondering, “Wait, is this it?” That’s the telltale sign of what some call an early mid-life crisis.

Think of it as a big emotional reset button.

It's that moment when you suddenly feel out of sync with where you thought you’d be by now. It’s not all bad news, though. These feelings might just be a nudge from the universe to check in with yourself and figure out what truly matters to you.

Still, how do you know it’s not just a bad week or a caffeine overdose? Let’s dive into the signs that might mean you’re navigating an early mid-life identity whirlwind.

Sign #1: You’re Questioning Everything (Literally)

If you’ve caught yourself spiraling into existential rabbit holes during your lunch break, welcome to the club. You’re questioning your career path, friendships, maybe even your choice of cereal.

You find yourself Googling things like “How to start over in your 20s” or scrolling LinkedIn wondering how everyone else seems to have it figured out. (Spoiler: they don’t.)

Pause. Take a deep breath. Write down the questions that are bugging you the most. Are you unhappy with your job? Feeling unfulfilled socially? Just bored?

Journaling can help you untangle the “what” from the “why,” which is key to figuring out your next step.

Sign #2: You’re Constantly Comparing Yourself to Others

Social media, we see you. It’s hard to scroll past the engagement photos, job promotions, and optimistic captions without thinking, “Am I doing life wrong?”

Every post feels like a reminder of what you don’t have yet—a dream job, a picture-perfect relationship, or even just a plant you can keep alive for more than a week.

Unfollow. Mute. Take a break. Try this 24-hour digital detox challenge!

It’s not forever, just long enough to reset your perspective. Instead of comparing yourself to others, try creating a vision board for your own goals (Pinterest is great for this). It’s about focusing on your path, not someone else’s highlight reel.

Sign #3: You Feel Stuck in the ‘Same Old’ Routine

Wake up. Work. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. If your daily routine is starting to feel like a never-ending hamster wheel, that’s a big clue something needs to shift.

You’re craving something—anything—new. Whether it’s a hobby, a side hustle, or just trying sushi for the first time, you feel an itch to break out of the monotony.

Start small. You don’t need to uproot your entire life overnight. Take a new route to work, sign up for a class that interests you, or dedicate 10 minutes a day to brainstorming creative ideas. Tiny changes can shake things up and spark inspiration.

Sign #4: You’re Suddenly Obsessed with Your “Purpose”

Okay, deep thinker, this one’s for you.

If you’ve been spending way too much time pondering the meaning of life (and your role in it), this is a classic early mid-life crisis move.

You’re asking questions like, “What am I meant to do?” or “Am I making a difference?” It’s equal parts inspiring and exhausting.

Stop putting so much pressure on yourself to have it all figured out. Start by reflecting on what lights you up. What activities make you lose track of time? What are you naturally good at? Sometimes, your purpose isn’t one grand thing—it’s a collection of little things that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Here’s a guide that could help you to get a clearer idea of your ‘purpose’.

Sign #5: You’re Fantasizing About Drastic Life Changes

Daydreaming about quitting your job, moving to a remote island, or becoming a TikTok influencer? Same. While it’s fun to imagine a totally different life, it might be a sign you’re craving something deeper than a vacation.

You’re itching for a fresh start, but you’re not sure what that actually looks like. You might feel torn between staying practical and chasing big, wild dreams.

Give yourself permission to explore the possibilities, but don’t make impulsive decisions.

Test the waters instead—take a short trip, start a side project, or talk to someone who’s already living the life you’re curious about. Sometimes, you just need to dip a toe in before diving headfirst.

How to Turn an Early Mid-Life Crisis into a Fresh Start

Here’s the good news: an early mid-life crisis doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re growing.

Think of it as a wake-up call to reconnect with yourself and reevaluate what you truly want.

Start by being a bit kinder to yourself. These feelings are normal, and they’re not forever. Surround yourself with people who support you, and don’t be afraid to seek advice (or therapy!) to help you process everything.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling like life’s throwing you a curveball, just remember: you’re not alone.

This early mid-life crisis phase might feel overwhelming now, but it’s also an opportunity to shake things up and create a life that feels more you.

I find that the best way to work through these feelings is to have a big planning session. Grab a journal (this guided one is great!) and plan EVERYTHING. This includes what you need to do today, what you want to do in the next month, the next 6 months and so-on.