Less midlife crisis, more midlife renaissance
When I was in my late 20s, I decided to quit my stable, well-paying job and become a freelance writer. The freedom of freelance life appealed to me. I relished the idea of having more power over who I worked for, what I did, and when.
But the resounding reaction from most of my acquaintances was, “Are you going through a midlife crisis?”
Midlife crises are perceived as being pretty negative things. The term often conjures up images of flashy cars, sudden career changes (hello!), and impulsive decisions that aren’t good for anyone.
But if we turn a midlife crisis on its head, it can actually create all sorts of positivity and possibility.
A midlife crisis often starts with lots of questions. What am I here for? What am I doing with my life? What do I want to do with the limited time I’ve been given?
It’s often a time of deep introspection as people start to question their life choices, values, and goals.
This self-reflection can lead to a better understanding of ‘self’. It can give people a renewed sense of purpose. It’s an opportunity to reassess personal values, kick to the kerb what no longer serves, and embrace new passions and interests.
As people work through the challenges of getting older, they often reassess their priorities too. Whether it's shifting focus from a demanding career to spending more time with family or pursuing personal interests, a midlife crisis can prompt individuals to reprioritise what truly matters to them.
A midlife crisis often pushes people out of their comfort zones, but that is not a bad thing. Embracing change and not letting it control you can be deeply empowering. Whether it's pursuing a new career, learning a new skill, or adopting a healthier lifestyle, a midlife crisis can be a catalyst for positive change.
For some people, adulthood equals routine and monotony, which can be incredibly overwhelming when we consider how many years we’ll be an adult for.
A midlife crisis can reignite a sense of passion, purpose and interest in news things. Whether it’s pursuing a new or neglected hobby, meeting new people on a platform like Neighbourly, travelling the world, or volunteering, rediscovering passion can bring a newfound zest for life.
As people re-evaluate their lives, they often place a stronger emphasis on relationships that matter. This can lead to deeper relationships with friends, relationships with new friends, or the end of relationships that don’t serve you any more. Importantly: all of the above is okay. It might be hard to make a choice to cut someone from your life but if it makes the
second half of your life better, it could be a decision that will change the direction of your life.
In a nutshell, a midlife crisis isn’t all bad. Go on, buy a Ferrari and quit your job if you want to. It’s how you manage the other side that counts.