Anyone in their 40’s going through what I’m going through? Anyone feel like they’re going through a mid-life crisis? Anyone reminiscing the good ol’ days? Anyone looking at the younger generation and wish we were that young again? Anyone hooked on watching”van life” videos? There are so many things that have been going through my mind and I’m wondering what is going on! Mid-life crisis!

I watched movies back in the days where middle aged men would go out and buy sports cars, motorcycles, or any other unexpected purchase or change in their life. I did a search and guess what? It’s not an uncommon thing. There were surveys done comparing age and happiness. Happiness levels dip low in the 40’s and 50’s age. What’s going on during this time that is making my happiness levels  going down? When I think about it

• My desire to excel in my career is growing less and less
• I have thoughts of changing careers
• My children are consuming most of my time and not having enough time for me
• My health is bad
• I wish I had more savings so I didn’t have to work or have the flexibility to do other things
• I’m looking at others and how their lives look so much better
• My financial responsibilities require me to continue working so I can’t stop working
• Anxiety levels are higher
• Little things start to get on your nerves

The 40’s came really quick and if I had more awareness I would have prepared myself better.

Brace For It

Not everyone will go through this phase but I believe most people will. If you are younger, keep in mind that the 40’s will come before you know it. Just be aware. You might think the 40’s are far off but don’t be naïve or stubborn about. Time doesn’t stop.

Make Good Financial Decisions

We feel stuck or trapped because we don’t have much wiggle room in our lives. And it’s primarily due to all the financial obligations we commit ourselves: car payments, house mortgage, raising children, and other financial obligations holding us down. As we continue with our careers and our income goes up, we tend to purchase more things, bigger and better things…bigger homes, nicer cars, dining at nicer restaurants, etc. I’m guilty of this and now I’m in a position that I don’t have much wiggle room. What could I have done better? Make good financial decisions. Try not to live pay check to pay check. Eliminate debt. Not having a financial cloud over your head can lead to other options.

Live Within Your Means

As you grow your career, you’ll likely see increases in your income. People tend to take that income increase and start spending on things they couldn’t afford before. Keep an eye out whether or not the new purchases are needed and worth it. The more you make, the more you’ll spend. You might see yourself spending on something that isn’t worth it and was just a waste of money. You might buy something and don’t realize there’s additional money that you have to spend. Living within your means will help keep you out of debt.

Don’t Be Afraid

Don’t be afraid of change. Life is full of unknowns and changes. There will be times we need to make unexpected detours or drastic turns. Our goals can change or our lives flipped upside down due to a new boss, death in the family, health problems, job layoff, pandemic, or other life changing events. With every event, your life may need to change. Changes could mean moving homes, changing jobs, changing careers, downsizing, and living with less. Whatever changes you face, don’t be afraid to adjust and adapt. I’m really interested in van life. If you’re not familiar, do a YouTube search for van life.

Don’t Compare Yourself To Others

We tend to compare our lives to others which is dangerous. We show the good side of our lives and not hardships that we face. Social media makes it even harder because we see posts that are all fun and smiles, and we think that family has it all. Have you ever had those thoughts? Do what is right for you and your family. Don’t think that someone else’s lifestyle is right for you.

Find Your Motivation

If you are already feeling the crisis, I’m there with you. Try to find what motivates you and use that as your focus energy. My motivation comes from my family. I love seeing how influential we are to our children and I want to be a good role model for them. Find what motivates you to keep you going and keep you sane.

Life in general is hard. Life in the 40’s is tough. Position yourself well enough for you to be able to handle the stresses, anxieties, mixed feelings, and unknowns. Many times we feel stuck because we are just financially strapped in our current situation that we don’t have any other option. Prepare for it, embrace it, and be open to options. If you are interested in following my journey, email subscribe to get alerts of latest posts or follow me on Facebook.