Phase 1, defined by feeling "locked in" to a job or relationship, or both. "It's an illusory sense of being trapped," said Robinson. "You can leave but you feel you can't."
Phase 2 is typified by a growing sense that change is possible. "This mental and physical separation from previous commitments leads to all sorts of emotional upheavals. It allows exploration of new possibilities with a closer link to interests, preferences and sense of self.
"Up until then you may be driving fast down a road you don't want to be going down. A minority of participants described getting caught in a loop, but the majority reflected on a difficult time which was a catalyst for important positive change."
Phase 3 is a period of rebuilding a new life.
Phase 4 is the cementing of fresh commitments that reflect the young person's new interests, aspirations and values.
【重点单词及短语】
thirtysomethings adj. 三十多岁的(人);三十多岁功成名就的(人) n. 三十多岁事业有成的人
mortgages 抵押贷款;房屋贷款
quarterlife crisis 青年危机，指二十几岁的年轻人，尤其在刚刚完成学业后，经历的迷茫、焦虑及自我怀疑等情绪。这是仿照mid-life crisis(中年危机)这个说法来定义的。
cluster v. 聚集;丛生
empirical adj. 经验主义的，完全根据经验的
speculation n. 思索;推测
backed by 依靠;在……的支持下
emigrate v. 移民;移居国外
be trapped to 被困在……
catalyst n. 刺激因素;催化剂
illusory adj. 错觉的;幻影的;虚假的
typify v. 作为…的典型;具有…的特点
upheaval n. 剧变;动乱
up until then 直到那时
get caught in 陷入;遇到
Question time:
1. Can you conclude what quarterlife crisis is according to the passage?
2. What's the difference between quarterlife crisis and mid-life crisis?