It's not all about work!
‘Midlife crisis? Don't worry, you'll turn the corner at 47’
Someone’s done a study on happiness and well-being and apparently, there's a U-turn at 47 – things do get better but after they've got worse. (According to an article in the Times).
Midlife Crisis
I'm not a fan of the term ‘midlife crisis’, are you?
When I was young, I thought it meant that men bought a Harley and menopausal women were prescribed Valium.
But whilst we have our personal experience, there are some shared themes and concerns about ageing, mortality, our purpose and even our sex appeal at midlife.
I'm no expert on the latter, but I do know a thing or two about job searching and middle age.
It’s the time in life when you may start thinking seriously about doing things differently and contemplating your life and lifestyle.
But if job hunting isn’t going your way, it can trigger anxiety and low self-esteem.
for example:
When you've been working hard, head down, for 20 years and never had to look for a job before, and now you're looking, you've discovered that the rules have changed. Having to sell yourself to recruiters can be triggering.
At times, it can feel like you're missing out on opportunities and being overlooked by younger, less experienced people.
You're worried you're past your sell-by date (your words, not mine).
Perhaps you've started applying for jobs that you could have done 10 years ago.
It's not all about work
Our generation was taught to compartmentalise work and home life, which makes it easy to forget that everything is connected. Often, people will go out looking for a new job as a quick fix without looking at the whole picture.
But what if it's personal?
What if you’re worried about your ageing or sick parents, a child struggling, menopause, or you’re feeling dissatisfied or looking for a deeper meaning in life, too? For some of us, that can raise significant questions and concerns.
How to manage a personal midlife crisis
Accept that this is a stage of adult life. An initiation or rite of passage!
Give yourself a break!
Allow yourself time to wallow on ‘Planet Me’ (I told my husband to leave the house so I didn’t have to talk to him or anyone else)
Don’t try to force your way through this. You need an acceptance plan before an action plan.
Get out in nature - Hampstead Heath has soaked up my troubles many times. Nature can handle it!
Find your true friends
Exercise, yoga, swim (you know it makes sense)
Shout, scream, cry (ideally not in public)
Get a coach, therapist, or healer
Remember that this too shall pass
Want to talk about how you’re feeling about your midlife crisis? You can contact me here.
Let’s talk about mental health
ABOUT ME
I’m Tracy, a Career Consultant and former Executive Headhunter. Through 1:1 coaching, I help senior executives and leaders land great jobs and be successful at work.
I work with clients around the world from my London-based Zoom office.
If you’re ready for straight talk and career guidance, get in touch – let's start the conversation.
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