Welcome to Wandering, Not Lost!
In 2020, I started a newsletter called Quarter-life Crisis, and it had a good run before life got in the way (in the best way). I had to take a pause. Now, I'm back with the same newsletter but with a different name.
Welcome to the Wandering, Not Lost newsletter. I will discuss topics and issues that are both typical and unexpected stressors for emerging adults.
These stressors culminate in what I like to call a quarter-life crisis.
What is A Quarter-life Crisis? It has been defined as a deep-seated and nagging feeling of unfulfillment in a young adult’s life. This period can also be characterized by soul-searching, self-evaluation, and a deep-seated desire to do more with your life or take a different path. Grappling with these experiences can often lead to depression, anxiety, burnout, and a general feeling of despair.
In this newsletter, I'll share candid advice, pragmatic perspectives and attempt to answer the impossible-to-answer-but-needs-to-be-asked questions on issues like finding your purpose, self-actualization, job dissatisfaction, mental health, friendships and relationships, money anxieties, and what else?!
I write this newsletter for those who don't know what to do with their lives just yet, those who feel untethered or discontent, and those who are wondering what path to take in their journey of life. (I'm going to use so many puns, sorry in advance)
This newsletter is for those who are not sure what to do with their lives and sometimes feel like a mess. Hint: You’re not a mess!
About Me
I went through some profound and world-shattering quarter-life crisis episodes in my twenties. I'm now in my thirties, and I'm still discovering who I am, having new realizations, learning and unlearning, and reinventing myself. I've learned to be comfortable with a 'wandering' state. balancing the uncertainties of this life, and navigating complex gray areas. This newsletter is a resource to help you navigate the complex stages of your life fearlessly. I don't have the answers— in fact, I'm patient zero— but I can help you ask the right questions. We are in this together.
I had many detours in my twenties and many 'wandering' moments. most significant was when I dropped out of a fully funded Ph.D. program with no backup plan, in a foreign country, and with only passion and sheer determination as my companions.
I had been on a life path that seemed like the right thing to do. The secure choice. However, that security was costing me. I had lost my spark and found no joy or fulfillment in what I was doing. My life was secure, but my soul wasn't, and I needed to do something about it.
Dropping out of that Ph.D program changed the direction of my life. I created Clever-ish Magazine and started writing about quarter-life crisis. Writing is my passion, and as soon as I started doing it with intention, I felt happier and fuller, and new doors opened to me. The universe is, after all, benevolent.
It's been a long-winded, fun, crazy, scary, and exhilarating journey since. This Substack newsletter is another adventure, and I want to bring as many people along with me and help them. I invite you to join me.
I hope you subscribe.
This newsletter is an extension of my website, Clever-ish Magazine. You can visit for more content.
Here's what people have already said about my newsletter:
Jiji, thank you so much for your work and the newsletters you've been sending out. So nicely said and it brought tears to my eyes!
Reading your newsletter is like meditation. It's a relaxing experience for me.
Haha! Frenemies! I really enjoyed this newsletter, Jiji. It was so easy to read, relatable, and funny. Thank you really. I'm looking forward to reading the next one about rekindling old friendships. I'd also be interested in your thoughts about professional friendships.
Your newsletters are so well-written and thoughtful. I forwarded it to a dozen friends. I can't wait for the next one. Bravo!
I'm reading this, and I love the proverb "20 children cannot play together for 20 years."
