Navigating uncertainty

For many young adults, growing up doesn't happen all at once — it unfolds through a series of uncertain choices, false starts, and quiet moments of doubt. This in-between stage of life has a name: the "Odyssey years".

The term was first introduced in 2007 by New York Times columnist David Brooks. Drawing inspiration from Homer's Odyssey — in which the hero Odysseus spends 10 years wandering before finally returning home after the war — it describes the long and uncertain transition from school to working life, typically spanning one's 20s to early 30s.

The idea has recently gained renewed attention on Chinese social media. In February, a Xiaohongshu user shared a video reflecting on the confusion and candid emotions of her late 20s, describing her journey as part of the "Odyssey years". The post quickly resonated with young internet users, earning more than 100,000 likes.

In today's rapidly changing world, young people are entering an environment defined by diversity, experimentation, and constant trial and error. Traditional paths to success no longer provide a clear road map, while new rules are still taking shape. As a result, the future feels increasingly open-ended and fluid.

"Instead of letting anxiety take over, it's better to focus on concrete action," said Duan Xinxing, a professor at China University of Mining and Technology, in an interview with the Yangtze Evening News."Through exploration, you'll begin to discover what truly suits you."