Young people struggle with cost of living as they hit 'quarter-life crisis'
The majority of people have heard about the mid-life crisis, which comes with many questioning their life choices and wanting to make a change. Now while it may have taken older generations a while to reach this slump, it seems that Gen Z's are hitting as early as their twenties.
The harsh realities of life seem to be hitting young people as many are seen to be entering a 'quarter-life crisis'. With the rising cost of living, many young people are simply not earning enough money to maintain their lifestyles. Many of us are left sitting, asking ourselves: "Why did all my hard-earned money go?"
Back in 2017, a LinkedIn study revealed that 75 per cent of young Brits between the ages of 25 and 33 experienced a quarter-life crisis, reports the Mirror. As many as 49 per cent said that "not earning enough" was causing them a great deal of anxiety.
READ MORE: Romesh Ranganathan opens up about turbulent childhood as dad sent to jail for fraud
READ MORE: Lorraine Kelly's retirement plans will see her move back to Scotland as ITV makes cuts
The study also revealed that a higher percentage of women (51%) were going through this crisis than men (49%).
It has also been previously reported that six in ten young adults are struggling to make ends meet. With a First Direct bank study revealing that financial difficulties are the top cause for the quarter-life crisis, it is no wonder young adults are feeling "anxious, frustrated, confused and sad."
Any dreams of having a home, care and a steady job at the age of 25 is slowly slipping down the drain for many young adults as they are now focusing on pursuing professional goals and trying to earn as much money as possible. However, despite this valiant effort, the cost of living struggle still persists.
Research psychologist Dr Emma Palmer-Cooper has said that the beginning of adulthood has significantly shifted from that of the older generations due to the cost of living.
She said: "Where previous generations may have been married, settled in full-time work, and starting a family by their mid-20s, today these milestones often occur much later — sometimes nearly a decade on."
She explained that those in their early 20s are in a period of their life where they are trying to figure out who they are, what they value and where they want to go in life.
Dr Palmer-Cooper added: "This phase is also marked by a high degree of instability. Many young adults are navigating unpredictable job markets, insecure housing, and broader economic uncertainty — all while trying to make sense of themselves and their place in the world."
There has previously been a psychological pressure for young adults to have their life figured about by the age of 25. However, clinical psychologist Dr Sona Kaur believes this is "outdated".
She said: "The psychological pressure to have everything figured out by the age of 25 is outdated and doesn't reflect today's economic or cultural climate. Previous generations had a more linear pathway to adulthood: university, job, marriage, and mortgage.
"But for many millennials and Gen Z, these steps are either delayed or feel entirely out of reach. This disconnect between expectation and reality can trigger anxiety, low mood, and even identity confusion, especially when young adults tie their self-worth to these achievements."
Jessica Watson, founder of GLORIAH, also said: "In today's economic climate, many young adults are grappling with the reality that the traditional markers of success—stable employment, home ownership, and financial security—are increasingly out of reach.
"This disconnect between expectations and reality is fuelling a sense of disillusionment and uncertainty. When I left my corporate job, I was on a £86,000 salary with all the stability that's meant to define 'success'—but it didn't feel meaningful.
"The saying you need money to make money is true. But you also soon figure out what makes you happy once you have a taste of financial security."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
5 Ways To Future-Proof Your Career Amid Recession Fears
President Trump has been back in office for nearly four months and according to the New York Times, the president's approval rating is 45%, while just 39% support how he's handling the economy, per Americans grapple with economic instability and fears of a recession the concern of layoffs are heavily weighing on U.S. workers. Eighty-one percent of Americans are distressed about job loss, per The Great Stay: 2025 State of the Labor Market study, but that's not all people are anxious about. Check Out: For You: The research also revealed that 63% anticipate more businesses to close this year compared to last year, 76% expect a rise in layoffs and 92% of survey respondents are worried about a recession happening this no denying that the state of the economy is keeping people at night, but there are things you can do to help relieve stress by ensuring your job is secure. Here are top ways to future-proof your career according to Jasmine Escalera, career expert with MyPerfectResume. During economic uncertainty, job loss can happen, so it's important to have skills that can seamlessly transfer to other industries if a layoff occurs. 'In today's market, valuable skills to consider are AI competencies, digital literacy, communication, data analysis and project management,' Escalera explained. Read Next: One way to enhance your skill set is by speaking to your employer about growth opportunities.'Professionals can check if their current employer offers any resources to expand their professional skill set or consider upskilling on their own through online courses, certifications, or joining professional organizations that provide training online and in-person,' Escalera added. The more people you know the better chance you have of finding a new job if needed. Solid connections can lead to referrals. 'When facing uncertain times it is essential to tap into existing connections for support and guidance, and create new ones that can connect you to potential opportunities,' Escalera said.'Staying active on LinkedIn, participating in networking events, and nurturing relationships even at your current job can help,' she added. Staying active and visible online, as well as attending in person events, helps you keep on the minds of others, which is vital when searching for new professional opportunities. It can open up new possibilities and give you a farther reach. 'With platforms like LinkedIn, professionals can share accomplishments, updates or insights that showcase their value, thought leadership and knowledge,' Escalera explained. While it's important to stay in sight online, it's also key to be visible with your employer. During an economic slowdown, companies can be faced with difficult staff decisions. Proving your value and staying visible can help increase job security. 'If you're feeling uncertain about your role then it could be time to turn up the heat by showcasing your value and demonstrating that your role is indispensable,' Escalera for ways to take initiative, keep a record of your contributions and regularly check in with your manager.'It isn't just about getting the great work done, but also making sure it is visible to key decision makers,' Escalera explained. 'Being proactive and showing how you support your company toward reaching its goals can strengthen your position and hopefully increase your job security.' Having a conversation with management is one of 'smartest moves' you can do amid fears of job insecurity, Escalera said.'Ask how your role aligns with current business goals and where you can provide more support to your team, manager, and the company as a whole,' she added. 'Expressing your investment in the company's success goes a long way and may open the door to additional conversations about the organization's direction and how you can increase your value.' With fears of a recession spreading, anxiety can skyrocket, but having an emergency savings set aside and boosting job security makes a strong impact.'With the right strategy, professionals can not only protect their careers but can also use the moment to strengthen their foundation and catalyze their growth,' Escalera said. Editor's note on political coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 7 Tax Loopholes the Rich Use To Pay Less and Build More Wealth Mark Cuban Tells Americans To Stock Up on Consumables as Trump's Tariffs Hit -- Here's What To Buy This article originally appeared on 5 Ways To Future-Proof Your Career Amid Recession Fears Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Brits issued Covid booster warning as cases of new strain rise
Brits have been urged to get their Covid booster jabs, as experts warned of a rise in cases following a recent spell of warm weather. The message comes after health experts also warned of a new COVID-19 variant, with cases of the strain are on the rise around the world. Covid NB.1.8.1 is a variation of the XDV.1.5.1 strain and was first detected back in January 2025. Ifti Khan, superintendent pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, urged those eligible to book as soon as possible and get the booster while it is still available. He said: 'Covid will most likely rise coming into the end of spring and into summer as people mix with friends and family more often. 'We know from previous boosters that they are effective in making sure that patients' symptoms are not as severe as they might have been without so I would urge patients to pop into their local Well Pharmacy store and get their jab. 'Patients have just over two weeks as the spring booster programme ends on June 17 so it would be my hope that those who can get a jab, opt to do so before enjoying socialising during summer.' Mr Khan warned that at this time of year, some people may believe they have hay fever as early symptoms of Covid include a runny or blocked nose or a sore throat. Covid tests can be obtained at any Well Pharmacy. The WHO has placed the Covid NB.1.8.1 "under monitoring" due to the rise in cases worldwide. It is one of six COVID-19 variants currently being monitored. The new 'Strategic and operational plan for coronavirus disease threat management: at a glance' sets out the global framework for supporting Member States in the sustained, integrated, evidence-based management of coronavirus disease threats, including #COVID19, MERS, and… — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 28, 2025 However, the WHO stated that the risk posed by the new variant was "low," and that approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against it. The world health experts, in a recent risk evaluation, said: "Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalisations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation. The WHO added: "The available evidence on NB.1.8.1 does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendent lineages." COVID NB.1.8.1 has already been detected in 22 countries. These include the likes of Australia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and the US, according to The Independent. The coming COVID-19 Winter Surge in Australia will show the world where we are actually headed is happening in South-Eats Asia and East Asia are just the 'preludes'...watch how NB.1.8.1 spawns are evolving including PQ.1, PQ.2 and even sub-lineages like PE.1. — Thailand Medical News (@ThailandMedicaX) June 4, 2025 Cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant have also been confirmed in Northern Ireland, Wales, and "popular British tourist hotspots", the news outlet added.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
15% of women under 40 say they would likely try Botox. Is the 'preventative' messaging working?
Botox has traditionally been sought out by older women looking to do something about the wrinkles they already have. But that's changing. Now younger women are turning to the cosmetic treatment to avoid getting those fine lines in the first place. That's the idea behind preventative Botox, which Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Kristy Hamilton has seen explode in popularity over the past five years. 'The summer of 2020 was when I started seeing younger patients coming in and asking about starting Botox to prevent lines,' Hamilton tells Yahoo Life. 'What I tell them is that when you start to see lines linger when you're not moving your face, that's a good indicator that it's a good time to do so.' Data from the 2023 American Society of Plastic Surgeons report indicated that while patients between the ages of 40 and 54 account for the largest percentage of those getting Botox, treatments among patients from 18 to 39 years old have been increasing. 'Many in Gen Z are starting preventative Botox, known by some as 'Baby Botox,' to stop wrinkles before they form,' the report reads. Results from a recent Yahoo News/YouGov poll align with those findings. Among 1,677 U.S. adults surveyed in late March, 15% of women ages 18 to 39 said they would likely try Botox, compared with just 10% of women age 40 and older. This, experts say, indicates that the messaging behind preventative Botox — that when it comes to wrinkles, the best defense is a good offense — is not only spreading but also successfully convincing more people to start Botox sooner rather than later. But not everybody is buying in. Christine Cambus, a 36-year-old makeup artist living in New York, is someone who hopped on the Baby Botox train before it was a bigger trend. In her mid-20s, she started noticing expression lines in her forehead that weren't going away. 'When I turned 26, I decided to start doing Botox because I was like, I want to get ahead of this problem before it gets more intense,' she tells Yahoo Life. 'Now here we are 10 years later and — not to toot my own horn — but people routinely think I'm still in my early to mid-20s.' Baby Botox, aka micro-toxing, refers to using smaller doses of the neurotoxin (which isn't always Botox brand) to temporarily paralyze muscles in the face. According to Hamilton, these dosage amounts vary. 'It's still customized on the patient because I'm assessing the intensity of their muscle movement, which is going to be different person to person just based on anatomy, age, all of that,' she says. 'What we're talking about is just less than a full [Botox] treatment … usually less than half of what is recommended by the pharmaceutical companies.' Cambus receives 30 units for the injections across her forehead. 'I get it up into my hairline,' she says. 'I get my 11's and the very outward edges of my eyebrows because I want my brows to kind of tick up a bit at the end.' She believes that the injections she's had over the years are the reason she hasn't developed lines elsewhere, like crow's-feet. Hamilton backs this up. 'It's preventing the lines that are caused by movement, so if she's getting a little bit around the corners of the eyes, that's what is preventing her crow's-feet wrinkles,' she says. But if Cambus were only injecting the 11's between her eyebrows, for example, it wouldn't have that same preventative effect on the outside of the eyes. Jess Peachy, a 26-year-old from Charlotte, N.C., on the other hand, has been interested in getting injected since first hearing about preventative Botox on Bravo shows like Vanderpump Rules. But she has decided against it after doing further research. 'I looked into it, looked at other people's TikTok videos about their experiences and everything seemed fine and seemed good and normal. Everyone was like, 'My face isn't moving, I'm not getting wrinkles,'' she tells Yahoo Life. 'But what changed my mind about getting it was when people had masseter Botox and started discussing that after a while, they got the jowls.' Peachy is referring to people having Botox injections in their masseter muscle along the jaw — not an area prone to wrinkling — and experiencing jowl-like drooping. Peachy worries that sort of effect could happen elsewhere on her face if she tried Botox. 'At the end of the day, it is weakening your muscles, so I'm afraid of putting it in my face and the long-term effects of it,' she says. 'I don't want any muscle atrophy and to end up with loose and saggy skin.' Dr. Sean McNally, a plastic surgeon in Oregon, tells Yahoo Life that there is a slight possibility of experiencing significant weakening. But he says it's rare for people to be getting so much Botox so frequently to get to that point. 'If people are very consistently, very aggressively high-dosing Botox in certain muscles, and if they do that for years, those muscles can actually look weak and anemic, kind of pink instead of red. They do weaken with time,' he says. But McNally adds: 'For most people, they are not redosing their Botox before their Botox has completely worn off. So they're going to have this break in between where the muscle is functioning and you're actually using it for a while and then redosing it. It's not a long-term concern because if somebody is dosing you appropriately, they're going to be weakening the muscles but not completely freezing them out.' McNally himself has been getting injections for 12 years, starting when he was 31. If he hadn't gone the preventative route, he says, 'I would now have permanent creases that even with Botox wouldn't go away.' The messaging of preventative botox is working when it comes to getting younger people interested and considering it. What was previously a part of beauty regimens and culture for older women is now 'just something that Gen Z talks about,' says Hamilton. But that doesn't necessarily mean that every young person is running to get it. For some, it's concerns about the long-term effects holding them back; for others, it's the price tag. For those who are eager to begin, McNally encourages patients to wait until they're 25. 'I don't think you're going to get a ton of benefit out of it until you're in your late 20s, early 30s,' he says, unless there's an otherwise significant indication (like a skin or collagen condition) that someone younger should be starting. Hamilton recommends that people of all ages be particular when selecting who is doing the injection. That's especially important for young patients who don't want to overdo it. 'It's about going to someone that matches your aesthetic or understands your aesthetic,' she says. 'So if you walk into the office and everyone is completely frozen and people don't have any movement, that's probably not the office for you.'
