Tips for surviving the QLC meltdown

We all get them. Generally it happens around the first of the month when all of our bills are due, when your boss decides to continuously mention how awesome the person who's position you now hold was at his/her job, or the cat has an unsually large hair-ball. Sometimes the 20-something of 2010 needs to spiral into a viscous meltdown. 

Why does this happen? because as a 20-something you are entering into the world of the quarter life crisis, recently dubbed QLC. Essentially you are now entering the stage of uncertainty that goes along with that transition into adulthood. AWESOME!!...... 

As someone who is not OK with goodbyes (not to be confused with change... I love when things get improved upon) the QLC is a very real thing. I am still far from being a successful adult, but definitely not able to call myself a kid anymore. Friends are not just down the hall or across the street anymore to vent to or lean on for the day-to-day support and are going through the exact same thing. This time is legitimately hard. 

So when do you do when any or all of the above happen? Freak out a little bit. Sometime the panic attack ensues and all you want to do is call mom or dad. Put down the phone! Mom and dad are great, but it is time to embrace being an adult. 

Here are some of my sure fire ways to calm down during a QLC meltdown.

Step 1: Pick a problem. What is it that is freaking you out? I am sure there are is a list of things that has you ready to explode at your roommate, best friend, significant other and dog. But try to deal with the one thing that is setting you off.

Step 2: Decide if you can fix it right now. There are things that are within your control, and things that you just cannot avoid being an issue at this age. For instance, you can't control the fact that bills are due. Stop freaking out about it, adult up and pay them. However, when your boss decides to start reminiscing about former account coordinator, John Smith, there are steps that can be taken here.

Step 3: Write your problem down. By doing this, you can physically see what is bothering you and focus on this one issue.

Step 4: Keep writing. Freak out on paper. This way your roommate, best friend, significant other don't see you at this low point (you will have a few of these meltdowns... they will get old.) 

Step 5: Get back on track. OK, so you started writing and it got out of hand... go back to the top of your page and look at the issue you decided was the instigator of your freak out. 

Step 6: Think about a way to positively enhance the situation. In the case of your boss measuring you up to the former AC, there is a reason for it. Sit down and ask your boss about said individual and what it was that made him/her so awesome at the job. You are not recreating the wheel, just rolling with it.

Step 7: Make it your own. So you got some great tips... here is where you can roll with that proverbial wheel but add some flair to the spokes. 

Now, sometimes these steps won't work out the first time around. That is OK, come up with your own system. Find the person who is most level headed around you that can act as your QLC sponsor.