By Shelby Deering
Madison Magazine
Special To Channel 3000

MADISON, Wis. -- There is an epidemic sweeping the country that appears to afflict young professionals between the ages of 25 and 29. Symptoms include restlessness, anxiety, stress and particularly, dissatisfaction with social life.

Other signs that one may be suffering from this 20-something scourge are a sudden attachment to inanimate objects, such as a DVD player, Xbox or couch. Weekends that were once busy mysteriously become totally free.

Do these warning signs sound familiar? Then you may be suffering from what’s called the quarter-life crisis, a transitional and often frustrating period in the lives of 20-somethings (mostly ones who are single with entry-level jobs) characterized by a lack of a stable social network, feeling disconnected from one's community and general disappointment with life outside of work.

Abby Wilner, co-author of the New York Times bestseller "The Quarterlife Crisis: The Unique Challenges of Life in Your Twenties" and who also coined the term, said, “Sociologists have determined that it essentially takes longer to become an independent adult today, in comparison with our parents' generation, based on traditional markers such as financial independence, living on your own and getting married. We're hopping around between jobs, relationships and living situations and taking longer to settle down."

Wilner admits that she personally experienced a quarter-life crisis of her own, and said, "I found the transition to adulthood to be filled with unexpected challenges, big decisions and new responsibilities for which college did not prepare any of us."

Leah Hunter, 23, a public relations manager and account services coordinator, can relate.

"It's difficult to come off of the 'best years of your life' and jump right into the real world, where playing isn't quite as easy, especially on the weeknights," Hunter said. "As my daily routine and responsibilities changed, I definitely felt the desire to be back in the swing of lectures, student organizations, football games and much less real responsibility."

Madison young professionals face even more social hurdles than the average young professional. A college town can make it challenging for those who have graduated and moved on from a partying lifestyle.

"Any college town is probably tough for young professionals,” said Greta Christensen, 24, a public relations associate. "So much of downtown living and the Madison nightlife is geared toward students that 20-somethings can find themselves left with, what seems like, nothing to do. It definitely takes some adjusting, but Madison is a great town, even if you're, God forbid, over 22.”

So what's the cure for the quarter-life quandary? It's pretty simple: Get out, get involved and get connected through joining a young professionals' organization, or engage in service projects to feel a stronger tie to the community, according to some leaders of area groups geared towards 20-somethings.

"As a young professional, I looked for opportunities to do what I enjoyed that I didn't necessarily have time to do while in college. I started volunteering weekly and I joined professional organizations to stay connected to other young professionals," said Hunter.

Here are some options out there for Madison young professionals who want to meet new people, make a difference in the community and have a life beyond Tostitos and TiVo.

Join A Young Professionals Organization

In response to a need in Madison for young professional social outlets, two organizations created specifically for young professionals were created.

The first is the Madison Area Growth Network (MAGNET). Started in 2003, the organization was specifically established to help those struggling with a quarter-life crisis. It aims to help young professionals create a social network for those between attending school and being settled. MAGNET invites its more than 500 members to participate in frequent social and cultural events, such as wine tastings, gathering for brunch or attending the Madison Ballet.

There's also events for professional advancement, such as panel discussions with Madison area leaders and professional development networking breakfasts covering topics such as conflict resolution in the workplace and public speaking tips.

The second organization directed at the young professional set is Ad 2 Madison. Also established in 2003, this local chapter of the national Ad 2 organization is geared toward people in communications and advertising. The group offers events with a professional slant, such as "Touring the Town," in which new members get a preview of area advertising agencies, or "Wisconsin Success Story," an event in which a local, successful company is profiled. Social networking events include the "Rock Star Halloween" party or a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Ad 2 Madison is also very active in the community through three community committees: public service, government relations and the diversity and multicultural committee.

"How does Ad 2 Madison help young professionals go through the quarterlife crisis? Well, all Ad 2 events are lighthearted. We are a serious organization but we also realize that people our age like to socialize and go out," says Lindsay Ostrowski, president of Ad 2 Madison. "In addition to these events, we also offer the opportunity for them to make an impact in the community by taking part in our community service program."

Join A Career-Specific Organization

Looking to mingle with others that are pursuing the same career as you? Then look no further than a career-specific organization for young professionals.

There are two such organizations available here in Madison: the Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin’s Young Professionals Club (YPC) and The American Institute of Architect's Young Architect Forum.

The YPC consists of young insurance agents who want to interact and connect with other young professionals in the insurance industry through social outings, educational events and opportunities to advance professional development.

Ron Von Haden, executive vice president of the Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin, said, "We formed the YPC to give young people a chance to interact with their peers in the industry. From comedy clubs, to Brewers games, to water park outings, the YPC is active all over the state of Wisconsin. Lifelong friendships and professional affiliations have been built from the activities of the Young Professionals Club."

The AIA's Young Architect Forum is a nationwide organization (with a chapter here in Madison) made up of young architects that have been licensed less than ten years that meet to discuss common goals and share career experiences in the context of social gatherings or educational meetings.

"The Young Architect Forum helps members build a state, regional or national network and serves as a collective voice for young architects," said Michael Eberle, co-chair of the AIA Wisconsin Young Architects Forum.

Some Advise Young People Join Anything

One surefire way to overcome a quarter-life crisis is to join something to start meeting people.

Miss the camaraderie of a sports team? Then join up with one of the many adult leagues organized by Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR) and play a little baseball, softball, volleyball or basketball with some fellow young professionals.

New to town? You can become a member of the Madison Newcomers' Club or Who's New in Madison Inc. along with other new kids on the block to learn more about Madison and also to participate in community service projects.

Far from home? Check out Madison's International Professionals Association, a social group for "passport professionals" and transplants from other countries that puts on happy hour socials, parties and educational lunch lectures.

And if you're not much of a joiner, at the very least go out and take in Madison's myriad of arts and theater events. The Madison Repertory Theater even holds "Young Professional Evenings" the first Saturday of each production at Cafe Montmartre and offers a great deal for impoverished young professionals: two-for-one tickets.

So, are all you quarter-lifers off the couch yet? Loosening your grip of the remote? Walking out the door? Good. Quarter-life crisis averted.

Related Links:

MAGNET
Ad 2 Madison
The Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin’s Young Professionals Club (YPC)
The American Institute of Architect's Young Architect Forum
Madison School & Community Recreation
Madison Newcomers' Club
Who's New in Madison Inc.
International Professionals Association
The Madison Repertory Theater’s Young Professional Evenings