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India Today
05-08-2025
- Lifestyle
- India Today
Graduated, but going nowhere: Inside the quarter-life crisis of young adults
When the convocation caps land and the applause die down, many graduates are left not with a dream job but a blank Sood didn't expect that. She thought her journalism degree would lead her straight into a newsroom. She worked hard, earned the degree with distinction, and believed her journey was just beginning. Instead, she found herself stuck. Not unemployed, but rather wasn't sure what I was even looking for. Everyone had moved on. I was still figuring out what I wanted,' says the 22-year-old Delhi-based woman. She's far from alone. We've long heard of the midlife crisis. But what about the one that creeps in quietly at 22? When the world, once mapped out by syllabus and semesters, turns into a maze?Aditya Mishra felt that too. As the only child in a middle-class family, he did what was expected: he pursued engineering. A job followed, as it 24, he was working at a Bengaluru tech firm, meeting deadlines and drawing a steady pay cheque. But his phone told another story. Pages of poetry, story drafts, and unspoken feelings had been typed into his Notes app.'I didn't hate my job,' he remarks. 'But it didn't feel like mine. I kept if I chose wrong?' This feeling of neither failure nor fulfilment is where many quarter-life crises begin. It's not dramatic. It's slow, often silent. A steady disconnect between what you're doing and who you're becoming. According to Gaurav Tyagi, founder of Career Xpert, 'The mismatch between what graduates expect and what life offers can trigger serious self-doubt. The lack of direction after years of guided structure feels like personal failure to many.'It's not just about jobs. It's about identity. And it happens even when you're trying different Kaur explored teaching, freelancing, yoga, and even psychology. Each path taught her something, but none gave her a single answer. 'People kept asking, 'What do you do? I didn't know. It made me feel behind,' says the 20-year-old from a culture wired for linear success, even curiosity can feel like a flaw.'Our system rewards straight-line careers like engineering, MBAs, and corporate climb," notes Toprankers Co-founder Karan Mehta. "Many young adults find themselves at a crossroads, unsure if their path aligns with who they are. But real growth is often messy. And that's okay.'So they drift. From internships to online courses. From corporate gigs to creative side hustles. Waiting for something, anything, to click. Sometimes it does. Often, it takes longer.'What young adults need isn't a fixed plan,' says Tyagi. 'They need space. Counselling, journaling, taking time off—all of it helps build clarity. We must normalise uncertainty.'advertisementThere's also pressure. The silent timer that starts the day you graduate. But few are taught how to navigate the quarter-life crisis. IC3 Movement Founder Ganesh Kohli puts it bluntly: 'We focus so much on performance, we forget purpose. Schools must prioritise emotional well-being and guidance. That's how we raise grounded, resilient adults.'Simran is now freelancing. Aditya writes anonymously on a blog. Mehak is creating her path, slowly and honestly. None of them is 'sorted.' But maybe that's not the point. They're learning that careers aren't ladders but trails. They can curve, loop, or start over. And they still count.'The right direction doesn't come from rushing,' says Topranker's Karan Mehta. 'It comes from reflection. It takes time.'The hardest part? Thinking you're the only one lost. But you're not. So if your degree doesn't match your direction, take a breath. You're not late. You're not behind. You're just becoming. And that's a beginning in itself.- Article written by Yuvraj Dutta- Ends
News18
23-05-2025
- General
- News18
NEET Counselling 2025: 5 Common Mistakes That Can Cost You A Seat And How To Avoid Them
Last Updated: NEET Counselling 2025: Avoid these five costly NEET counselling mistakes to secure your dream medical college seat. By Cracking NEET is only half the battle. What follows is a high-stakes process called NEET counselling, where a single misstep can cost you your dream college or even a seat altogether. Every year, thousands of students lose out due to avoidable errors. Here are the top five mistakes candidates make during NEET counselling and how you can avoid them. 1. Choosing Colleges Without Adequate Research Or Strategy The Mistake: Many students select colleges based on reputation or hearsay, without considering crucial factors such as past cut-offs, fee structures, bond obligations, or accessibility. The Fix: Base your choices on verified data. Consult: Then, categorise your options as: The Fix: Use the entire choice-filling window wisely. Make adjustments as needed until the final day, and manually lock your choices once you're certain. Keep a screenshot or printout as proof of submission. 3. Ignoring State Counselling Opportunities The Mistake: Focusing solely on the All India Quota (AIQ) and neglecting state counselling can reduce your chances, particularly if you have better odds within your home state. The Fix: Apply through both AIQ and your state counselling process. If eligible, consider applying through domicile-based quotas in more than one state (e.g., Delhi, Rajasthan). Each state has different rules, cut-offs, and required documentation — familiarise yourself with these well in advance. 4. Mishandling Documents The Mistake: Lost, incorrect, or incomplete documents during the reporting phase can lead to seat cancellation, even if you've cleared the exam. The Fix: Prepare a comprehensive NEET Counselling Document Kit that includes: Double-check whether originals, self-attested copies, or digital versions are required for each round. 5. Skipping Mop-Up and Stray Vacancy Rounds The Mistake: Some candidates drop out after the initial rounds, assuming they've lost their chance. The Fix: Mop-up and stray vacancy rounds often see reshuffling due to dropouts or document issues. Reputed colleges occasionally release vacant seats in these rounds. Note that these rounds usually require fresh registration — mark the deadlines separately and stay alert. The choices you make during NEET counselling will shape not just your college, but your career, your future, and your identity as a doctor. Stay informed, be strategic, and trust the process. Avoid panic and confusion — don't let it undo the hard work you've already invested. With clarity, patience, and planning, you won't just get a seat — you'll earn your place in a white coat, proudly. Remember: NEET counselling isn't only about marks — it's about precision, planning, and perseverance. Avoid these common mistakes by staying proactive, organised, and well-informed. Your dream college may be just one smart decision away. (The Author is the Founder of Career Xpert. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect New s18's views.) tags : neet NEET UG Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 23, 2025, 09:48 IST News education-career NEET Counselling 2025: 5 Common Mistakes That Can Cost You A Seat And How To Avoid Them
