How to get out of a quarter life crisis starts with admitting that a job can look great on paper and still be wrong for you. Adam Smiley Poswolsky, author of The Quarter-Life Breakthrough, says the way out is to get clear on what you actually want, set an intention instead of waiting for one perfect calling, ask yourself what the worst that could happen really is, and surround yourself with people who believe in where you’re going. You don’t need the whole map. You need the next jump.

Adam works with a lot of millennials and is a big believer in chasing the entrepreneurial dream, which I believe in too. If you’re passionate about life, you’ve got to take life by the horns and really run with it.

And he’s far from alone. In a LinkedIn survey of more than 6,000 people aged 25 to 33, 75% said they’d experienced a quarter-life crisis, with 27 as the average age. The top cause, named by 61%, was finding a job or career they’re passionate about.

When the job looks great on paper

Adam’s own crisis hit at 28. He was working for the federal government in Washington, D.C. The salary was good. He had benefits and a 401(k). “Everyone when I went to happy hour was like, ‘Oh, your job’s great. You’re killing it,'” he said. “And meanwhile, I knew that I wasn’t happy.”

That’s what makes a quarter life crisis so confusing. Nothing is visibly broken. You’re doing well by everyone else’s measure, so it feels ungrateful to admit it isn’t working. Adam said 28 felt “young, but also old enough that a lot of people, you think, have it figured out.”

What finally moved him was meeting other young entrepreneurs and innovators who were going after their dreams. Being around them gave him the push to take his own leap.

Set an intention instead of hunting for one passion

I asked Adam how he pinpointed his passion and how he knew for sure it was something he wanted to run with. His answer is useful for anyone stuck waiting for a lightning bolt.

He didn’t have an epiphany. He knew he wasn’t happy in a very bureaucratic job, he knew he wanted to do more creative writing, and he knew he wanted to be around young entrepreneurs. “So, it was more of an intention,” he said. He moved across the country to San Francisco, started a blog, started writing and surrounded himself with people chasing their dreams. That path led to his book and to his work with purpose-driven leaders.

“Here’s my intention. Here’s what I want to be doing. Here’s the environment and the spaces I want to be a part of,” he said. “I’m going to be open to where it takes me.”

That takes the pressure off. You don’t have to name your life’s calling before you move. You only have to move in the direction of what you care about and pay attention to what happens.

You’re allowed more than one passion

I said to Adam that there’s a common misconception that you have one passion and that’s it, and it’s not true. You have multiple passions throughout your lifetime. It’s okay to give something a go, then put it behind you and move to something else to platform up.

Adam agreed. Society wants us to pick one career ladder, one job, one vocation, and he called that idea complete crap. Most people who’ve made an impact, he said, “have had the most windy road you can imagine.” They switch careers at 30 or 40 and treat work like an experimental journey of learning. Grant Cardone made a similar case on the podcast about why you need more than one purpose.

He’s careful not to turn this into an excuse. It doesn’t mean quitting your job every two months, and it doesn’t mean bailing on a company after six months because it got hard. “Everything that’s worth doing is hard,” he said. It means staying open to multiple interests. He’s found the most innovative people are often multi-dimensional, like an engineer who’s also an artist or a founder who’s also a strong writer, because they can bring different people together.

Swap the career ladder for lily pads

In his book, Adam contrasts the traditional career ladder with what he calls a lily pad mindset. On a ladder there’s one way up, and you’re either climbing or falling. Real careers don’t work like that anymore.

“It’s more like jumping from lily pad to lily pad,” he said. Sometimes you go sideways, sometimes backwards, sometimes in a direction nobody expected. “As long as you’re jumping in a direction that reflects your purpose, what you want to be giving to the world, what’s meaningful to you, it’s all good. You’re going to learn something and it’s going to get you closer to where you want to go.”

A quarter life crisis often comes from feeling like you’ve stepped off the ladder and lost your place. The lily pad view says there was never one right place to begin with.

Ask what the worst that could happen really is

A lot of the millennials Adam works with are stepping into the unknown, so I asked him how to work with your fears. He didn’t pretend it was easy. Quitting his job, moving across the country and giving up a steady salary was, in his words, “one of the scariest things in the world.”

Two ideas got him through. First, people mostly regret the things they don’t do. Nobody looks back and wishes they hadn’t tried. Second, he asked himself what the worst outcome really was. For him, it was that the writing wouldn’t work out, he’d struggle to find a new job and he’d go back to a job like the one he’d left. Not perfect, but still a good job. “And you still would have learned something,” he said.

The best case, on the other hand, “is like infinite”: the relationships, the opportunities, the doors you can’t see from where you’re standing.

That exercise works better with real numbers. If you’re thinking about leaving a stable job, work out how many months your savings would cover, what your fallback income would be and what you’d do if the plan takes twice as long. A clear-eyed worst case is far less scary than a vague one.

I told Adam you’ve got to keep that positive mindset all the time, because you never know what’s around the corner.

Do the inner hustle: know your ask

Adam pushed back on the idea that millennials are lazy. The ones he meets are working harder than ever. But he said the hustle that matters most in a quarter life crisis is inner hustle: getting vulnerable about who you are, what you need and what’s meaningful to you, then making the right asks.

“If you don’t know what you need, you can’t get what you want,” he said. Too many people say they’re stuck or interested in “something” without a concrete ask. “It’s really hard for people to help you if you don’t have a concrete ask.”

The other half of inner hustle is self-care. If you’re working 80 hours a week, not exercising, not sleeping and not seeing friends, you won’t be in a place to serve anyone. Adam runs most days, meditates most mornings and writes in his journal daily. He also pushes himself outside his comfort zone on purpose, going to events where he doesn’t know anyone. “I don’t feel very comfortable right now,” he said. “That’s good. That’s a sign that something’s working.”

Build a personal board of advisors

Back in D.C., Adam kept hearing the same response when he said he didn’t like his job: suck it up, everyone hates their job. “That was really brutal,” he said. Now he surrounds himself with believers who tell him to keep going, because things will get hard and “you need believers on your team.”

He takes it further with what he calls a breakthrough advisory team, a personal board of advisors. A company has a board of five or six people who open doors and give advice. You can build your own: people in the field you want to work in, people five to 10 years down the road from you, mentors and people you simply respect. When you’re weighing a transition, those are the people you call.

I told Adam my mentor actually told me something similar: find someone that’s 10 years ahead of you, find someone that’s on your level, and then find someone that’s 10 years younger that you can mentor yourself. The moment I started doing that, I could see that it kept me in the game.

Define success for yourself

When I asked Adam what triggered his shift, he said he simply realized he was 28 and didn’t know what success meant to him. On paper, by the standards of his parents, his co-workers and people he’d meet at a bar, everything looked successful. But success, he said, “is actually figuring out what you want and achieving that. It’s personal.”

He believes everyone knows, deep down, whether they’re working toward something they care about or drifting. “That’s just an internal clock,” he said. If you need a framework for that, start with how to define success for yourself before you chase anyone else’s version.

His biggest regret was not asking himself what he wanted through college and most of his 20s. He spent that time thinking about what was cool and what his friends were doing. He wishes he’d invested more in self-discovery earlier, because plenty of people reach 30, 40 or 50 and still don’t know who they are. It’s a damn shame.

Fail early, fail often, and take the shot

The advice Adam kept hearing from the people around him was to fail early and fail often, especially when you’re young and the stakes are lower. “Failure is often where success comes from,” he said. An accountability buddy also asked him a question that stuck: “Why would you be doing anything less than reaching your full potential in life?”

I like that, fail your way to success. I brought up Kobe Bryant, who set the NBA record for the most missed shots, and what that shows you: even though he missed all those shots, he got a lot in too. Adam pointed to the famous line usually credited to Wayne Gretzky, that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Even Michael Jordan, even Kobe Bryant, they’re not going to hit them all, but they have to shoot them. You have to go for it.

Write it down and test your idea in public

Adam admits he thought vision boards were silly when his roommates made them. He avoided it for two weeks, then sat down and made one, and says everything on it came true. His bigger point is simple: “If you write down your goals and you write down things you care about, they might happen. If you don’t write them down, they won’t happen.” I said write it down every day if you can. He suggested putting your three big goals on a sticky note on your desk.

He also tested his own idea before it existed. He ran an Indiegogo campaign for his book before he’d written most of it and says he raised almost $13,000 from more than 500 supporters in 38 countries. That gave him money for an editor and designer, but more importantly a proof of concept and a community. His lesson: skip chasing giant media outlets and find the smaller, passionate communities already talking about your topic. You’ve got to niche it up and focus on the niche.

When I asked for his last 30 seconds of advice to a room full of millennials, he said: “We are not the me-me generation. We are the purpose generation… take the time to figure out who you are and what you want and go after your dreams.”

How to get out of a quarter life crisis: a checklist

1. Name what’s wrong, even if the job looks great on paper.
2. Write one intention for the kind of work and people you want around you.
3. Give yourself permission to have more than one passion.
4. Write down the real worst case, including how long your savings last.
5. Figure out your concrete ask before you ask anyone for help.
6. Protect a few daily rituals: movement, rest, writing or reflection.
7. Build a personal board of five or so advisors and believers.
8. Run a small test of your idea before making the big jump.

FAQ

How do you get out of a quarter life crisis?

Get clear on what you actually want, set an intention instead of waiting for one perfect passion, test ideas in small steps and surround yourself with believers. Adam Smiley Poswolsky calls this a quarter-life breakthrough.

How common is a quarter life crisis?

Very common. A LinkedIn survey of more than 6,000 people aged 25 to 33 found 75% had experienced one, with 27 as the average age. Finding a career they’re passionate about was the top cause.

Is it okay to have more than one passion?

Yes. Adam Poswolsky says most people who make an impact take a winding road and change careers more than once. Multiple interests can make you better at connecting people and ideas.

Should I quit my job during a quarter life crisis?

Not on impulse. Map the real worst case, including savings and a fallback plan, test your next step on the side and get advice from people already doing what you want.

What is a personal board of advisors?

It’s a small group of mentors, peers and people a few years ahead of you in your field who you can call for advice and introductions when you’re making a big career decision.

Building a business can make time feel scarce. There is always another deadline, customer request or problem to solve. In the rush to keep moving, birthdays and personal milestones can slip down the list. Yet the small moments people share often shape the relationships that make work and life meaningful.

Celebration does not have to be elaborate or expensive. A considered message, a shared break or a gift chosen with care can show someone that they matter beyond their contribution to a project. The key is to pay attention to the person, respect their preferences and make the gesture sincere.

Notice The People Behind The Progress

Founders are often encouraged to celebrate launches, revenue goals and new partnerships. Those milestones matter, but so do the people who help make them possible. Colleagues, mentors, friends and family may offer encouragement in ways that do not appear on a business dashboard.

Remembering a birthday is one simple way to acknowledge that relationship. It is not a substitute for fair treatment or ongoing appreciation. Rather, it is a chance to pause and recognise someone as a whole person, not just as a role in your schedule.

Choose A Gesture That Fits The Person

Start with what you know. Some people enjoy a lively gathering; others would rather receive a quiet note. A favourite snack, a small plant or time set aside for a conversation may be more meaningful than a generic gift. If you are unsure, ask a colleague or family member for guidance without turning the surprise into an investigation.

For someone who enjoys flowers, birthday flower delivery can be a practical option when you cannot celebrate in person. Consider the recipient’s preferences, any sensitivities and the delivery details. Check the provider’s current availability and conditions before placing an order.

Add A Message Worth Keeping

A thoughtful note often matters more than the price of the gift. Mention a specific quality you appreciate or a moment that has stayed with you. “Thank you for the calm perspective you brought to our launch” feels more personal than a phrase that could be sent to anyone.

Keep the message appropriate to the relationship. A colleague’s birthday card does not need to become a performance review, and a friend’s celebration should not be an opportunity to ask for a favour. The most effective message makes the recipient feel seen without expecting anything in return.

Make Inclusivity Part Of The Plan

Not everyone celebrates birthdays in the same way, and some people prefer not to make them public. Ask about preferences before organising a workplace celebration or sharing personal information. Give people a genuine option to participate or decline without awkwardness.

If a team chooses to recognise milestones, agree on a consistent, affordable approach. Uneven attention can unintentionally make people feel overlooked. A simple system, with consent and flexibility, is often better than a grand gesture that cannot be repeated fairly.

Use Reminders Without Making Appreciation Mechanical

A calendar reminder can help busy people follow through on good intentions. Record the date with the person’s permission and set an alert early enough to plan. If the celebration involves a delivery, allow time to confirm the address and any relevant access details.

The reminder is a prompt, not the gesture itself. Take a moment to decide what would be meaningful this year. Circumstances change, and the best way to show care may change with them. A useful system frees your attention for the personal part of the decision.

When budgets are tight, a memorable celebration can still be simple. Bring a favourite treat to share, organise a short walk together or write a card that recalls a particular moment. What matters is the care behind the choice, not how impressive it looks in a photograph. If several people want to contribute, agree on a comfortable amount and avoid pressure on anyone to spend.

For a distributed team, check time zones and delivery arrangements before making plans. A brief video call or a message sent at a suitable hour can help someone feel included without assuming that everyone can join the same event. Be mindful that personal addresses and dates should only be shared with permission.

Carry The Habit Beyond Birthdays

A culture of appreciation is built through ordinary interactions. Thank someone for a helpful introduction, recognise a colleague’s contribution in a meeting or check in with a friend without an agenda. These actions do not need to be public or performative to matter.

Ambition and consideration are not competing priorities. Taking time to celebrate the people around you can make the journey more rewarding, while reminding everyone that success is measured in relationships as well as results.

Keeping your home safe matters more than ever. With crime rates changing and home invasions becoming more common, many homeowners ask, “How can I keep my home secure?” Your doors and windows are the main entry points to your home and are key to your overall safety.

Whether you’re new to homeownership or want to improve your current security, boosting your door and window security can give you peace of mind. Here are some simple ways to make your home safer.

Strong Door Locks

Strong locks are essential for securing your doors. Deadbolts are recommended because they are reliable and hard to break. They require a key on both sides, making them harder for thieves to pick or force open. Choose locks that meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.

Don’t forget the door frame. A solid wood or metal door with a reinforced frame makes it hard for intruders to break in. Adding strike plates can greatly increase door security.

Window Locks and Reinforcements

Windows can be easy targets if not properly secured. Most windows have basic locks that can be easily compromised. Invest in better-quality window locks that are harder to tamper with. You can also consider adding window bars or wrought iron grilles for extra security.

Another good option is installing window film. This thin layer helps keep the glass together if it breaks, making it harder for criminals to enter. Even if they break the glass, the window film can buy you time until help arrives or until you can react.

Keyless Entry Systems

Using keyless entry systems can improve your home security. These systems include keypad locks or smart locks that work with your smartphone. They are convenient and offer better security. You can easily manage access by changing codes or giving guests one-time codes.

For extra peace of mind, look for locks that allow remote monitoring. Many smart locks let you see who entered your home and when, which adds convenience and security, especially if you travel often.

Window Replacement

Window replacement San Diego is a great way to boost your home security. Modern double- or triple-pane windows are more energy-efficient and durable. They often come with better locking systems than older windows, which increases your home security.

New materials like impact-resistant glass can also withstand strong blows better than regular glass. This upgrade not only protects against break-ins but also helps your home stay safe during severe weather.

Outdoor Lighting

Proper outdoor lighting is important for your home security. Bright areas can deter intruders by removing dark spots where someone might hide. Motion-activated lights are especially effective because they turn on when needed, drawing attention from neighbours and increasing safety.

Use timers on your lights to make it look like someone is home when you’re away. Also, keep your landscaping trimmed back from windows and doors. This reduces hiding spots and makes break-ins more difficult.

Security Systems

A security system is one of the best ways to protect your home. Modern systems offer alarms, surveillance cameras, and smart home features. They can alert you in real time to suspicious activity, so you can respond quickly.

When choosing a security system, find one that fits your lifestyle. Some people prefer 24/7 monitoring, while others want to manage the system themselves. Having a security system shows potential intruders that your home is protected.

Neighbourhood Watch

Sometimes, community support is the best security. Working with your neighbours to create a neighbourhood watch makes everyone safer. When more people are watching, suspicious activities are more likely to be noticed.

Getting involved in your community improves safety and builds relationships, creating a more supportive neighbourhood. It benefits everyone while keeping you safe.

Making your doors and windows more secure is a smart way to protect your home. Strong locks, updated windows, and neighbourhood vigilance can all improve your safety. Simple changes can bring greater peace of mind.

Security Cameras

Installing security cameras around your home improves your safety. Cameras can discourage intruders and reduce the chance of break-ins. Choose high-definition cameras with night vision and motion detection to capture clear footage at all times.

Select models that let you access the camera feed through your smartphone, so you can monitor your property while you’re away. Also, let your neighbours know about the cameras or put up signs saying that cameras are in use. This can help prevent unwanted activity.

Home Security Audits

Regular home security audits help keep your home safe. Take time to look for vulnerabilities and areas that need improvement. Check that all doors and windows are secure. If not, get door and window replacement. Inspect your outdoor lighting, landscaping, and security system to make sure everything is functional. You might also want to hire a professional to review your security measures. An expert can offer advice and recommendations you may not have considered, helping you strengthen your security.

By installing security cameras and conducting regular audits, you can keep your home safe. These steps, along with strong locks and community awareness, create a solid approach to home safety.

Planning a birthday party for kids can seem challenging. Parents often have to balance themes, activities, and many details while keeping the kids entertained. However, seeing the joy on their faces makes all the effort worthwhile. The goal is to create something special that your child and their friends will remember for years. With a bit of planning, you can create a fun atmosphere that suits kids’ interests.

To make the party memorable, think about everything from the location and decorations to snacks and entertainment. Each part helps create the right mood and keeps the young guests engaged. Here’s how to plan a great birthday party kids will enjoy!

Choose a Theme

Choosing a theme can add focus and excitement to your child’s party. Whether your child wants a superhero adventure, a princess fairy tale, or a fun sports party, a theme guides decorations, invitations, and activities. Encourage kids to dress up according to the theme, adding an interactive element that makes them feel included.

If your child has a favourite character or show, use that as your theme. You can include character cutouts, balloons, and tableware that match their interests. A theme not only creates a festive feel but also simplifies planning, since you can align everything around it.

Select the Venue

The party location can greatly affect how the day goes. A spacious backyard is a perfect place to set up decorations, tables, and activities. Public parks are also good options, especially if you want the kids to run around and enjoy being outside. Just remember to check if you need permits for certain areas or activities.

If you want something different, think about renting a local community center or an indoor play area. These places usually have tables and chairs and might even offer organized activities to keep the kids entertained.

Add Arcade Games

If the kids enjoy games, arcade game rentals can be a fantastic touch to the party. Picture a lively setup with classic arcade machines, bringing happiness for the kids and a sense of nostalgia for the parents. Kids can compete for high scores, challenge each other, and make new friends while playing.

Arcade machines not only entertain kids but also encourage them to interact with one another. It’s an exciting way to keep them engaged, take turns, and cheer for one another. This adds a bit of amusement park fun right to your party, making it truly unforgettable. Children will talk about the cool arcade setup for weeks!

Food and Drinks

Keep food simple and kid-friendly. Finger foods are a big hit, like mini sandwiches, fruit skewers, or fun-shaped cookies. Pizza is another favourite and can suit different dietary needs. Always check for allergies beforehand.

Offer colourful drinks. Options like fruit punch or themed beverages can match your party’s vibe. Consider setting up a DIY snack station where kids can create their own treats. This can be a fun activity that sparks their creativity.

Bouncy Castles

A bouncy castle rental is a great way to add fun! Renting one lets kids burn off energy while they laugh and play. Parents can relax knowing the kids are safe and having a good time. Bouncy castles come in different sizes and themes, so you can choose one that fits your party.

Be sure to supervise the activity closely. Designate an adult to watch the kids to help keep everyone safe. The joy of bouncing is hard to beat and can be a highlight of the event.

Activities and Games

Along with arcade games and a bouncy castle, add a few traditional games for variety. Classic games like treasure hunts, musical chairs, or relay races can create excitement. These games encourage friendly competition and can tie into your party theme. Small prizes for winners can make it even more thrilling.

You can also set up an arts-and-crafts table. Giving kids supplies to create their own art lets them make a fun keepsake to take home. It can also provide a calming activity when they need a break from the high-energy fun.

Favours and Thank Yous

As the party ends, send kids home with a goody bag. Fill these with small toys, candies, or items that match your party theme. It’s a nice way to thank them for coming and give them a memorable treat.

Planning a successful birthday party for kids means thinking about what they enjoy and organizing fun activities. From choosing a lively theme to including exciting rentals, every detail matters. The best part is seeing your child’s smile as they celebrate their special day with friends and family.