Mid-Life Crisis - What Does Yours Look Like?
Discussion
Well, 'crisis' is a bit over-dramatic, for my case at least, but I'm certainly suffering to a degree, and I am wondering what others have experienced or are experiencing.
For me, no desire for sports cars, motorbikes or mistresses, but I have, all of a sudden, developed a massive sense of nostalgia and longing for my childhood/youth, the places, the people, the choices I made, the opportunities I failed to take, it's all in there. The slightest thing will set off quite a wave of emotion. It defies all logic, because I'm in a pretty good place in life.
Short of counselling, I'm not sure what action could or should be taken. My current plan is to wait for it to pass.
PS not a cry for help, it isn't nearly serious enough. Though I'd be glad to hear about anyone else's experiences and/or advice, natch.
For me, no desire for sports cars, motorbikes or mistresses, but I have, all of a sudden, developed a massive sense of nostalgia and longing for my childhood/youth, the places, the people, the choices I made, the opportunities I failed to take, it's all in there. The slightest thing will set off quite a wave of emotion. It defies all logic, because I'm in a pretty good place in life.
Short of counselling, I'm not sure what action could or should be taken. My current plan is to wait for it to pass.
PS not a cry for help, it isn't nearly serious enough. Though I'd be glad to hear about anyone else's experiences and/or advice, natch.
What's next?
I always had it in my mind that I should've reached a certain level in the corporate hierarchy by the time I was forty. Sadly missed by about a year so I bought a Corvette 
.
Then I changed my life aims to retire as soon as I could and bailed out at 52. Had another career renovating and providing holiday lets in France for a few years and now I've properly retired. Don't regret anything.
. Then I changed my life aims to retire as soon as I could and bailed out at 52. Had another career renovating and providing holiday lets in France for a few years and now I've properly retired. Don't regret anything.
I'm very early 40's now, and get how you feel about the nostalgia, I get it bad.
My childhood and early years were so joyous and perfect that it feels like I'll NEVER feel that sense of joy again. Listening to 80/90's music, watching old films etc or any memory that takes me back very nearly reduces me to tears.
I know there is a lot of rose tinted specs going on, but it's a gut wrenching feeling every time I stop and think back, or something triggers an unexpected memory.
I don't know what the answer is!
My childhood and early years were so joyous and perfect that it feels like I'll NEVER feel that sense of joy again. Listening to 80/90's music, watching old films etc or any memory that takes me back very nearly reduces me to tears.
I know there is a lot of rose tinted specs going on, but it's a gut wrenching feeling every time I stop and think back, or something triggers an unexpected memory.
I don't know what the answer is!
I bought this. Cashed in pretty much all my savings for it, but sod it life's too short.
I identify with the nostalgia for youth thing as well - we moved away from where I grew up at 15, and we only lived there for my dad's job so no family ties or anything to take me back; but I have a real yearning at the moment to take a few days off and head there for a walk about. I have a bizarre desire to walk around my old school and see what memories it provokes, but I'm fully aware I'd be locked up for looking like a nonce if I tried that.
Edit - in reference to the post above, I get that also, the 'things will never be as good again' thing. I had a great upbringing, small and close family and loved my time at uni. Nothing since has ever been quite as joyous, and I don't think I fully appreciated that at the time. Life seemed to be laid out in front of me, and now when I think 'I'll get that trip sorted next year' or whatever it is, 4 years seem to fly by
Edited by john_1983 on Wednesday 26th April 11:09
Edited by john_1983 on Wednesday 26th April 11:12
Edited by john_1983 on Wednesday 26th April 11:13
Just a quick point to note - nostalgia doesn't have to be/isn't necesarrily a bad thing. As long as you don't dwell too much on the past, come to regret a loss or decisions made.
Rather, use it as an impetus for doing positive things now or in the future - joining a band, buying a 'toy', trying out new/old hobbies, travelling etc, then it can be constructive/beneficial.
This is how I justify my cars.
Rather, use it as an impetus for doing positive things now or in the future - joining a band, buying a 'toy', trying out new/old hobbies, travelling etc, then it can be constructive/beneficial.
This is how I justify my cars.
Gary29 said:
I'm very early 40's now, and get how you feel about the nostalgia, I get it bad.
My childhood and early years were so joyous and perfect that it feels like I'll NEVER feel that sense of joy again. Listening to 80/90's music, watching old films etc or any memory that takes me back very nearly reduces me to tears.
I know there is a lot of rose tinted specs going on, but it's a gut wrenching feeling every time I stop and think back, or something triggers an unexpected memory.
I don't know what the answer is!
We are aligned.My childhood and early years were so joyous and perfect that it feels like I'll NEVER feel that sense of joy again. Listening to 80/90's music, watching old films etc or any memory that takes me back very nearly reduces me to tears.
I know there is a lot of rose tinted specs going on, but it's a gut wrenching feeling every time I stop and think back, or something triggers an unexpected memory.
I don't know what the answer is!
I've never given much notice of the term.
"Mid life" is young/flexible enough to enjoy the things you're doing, whilst old enough to hopefully be able to afford that stuff... it's not a 'crisis', its an opportunity.
I've been working for 30yrs
on a knife edge for most of them
been through some crucifying relationships
But now met a woman, who is mortgage free.
Sold my gaff, moved in with her, and bought the most special relevant car to my needs/dreams
opportunity.
if it all goes t1ts up, I can sell up and re-start
"Mid life" is young/flexible enough to enjoy the things you're doing, whilst old enough to hopefully be able to afford that stuff... it's not a 'crisis', its an opportunity.
I've been working for 30yrs
on a knife edge for most of them
been through some crucifying relationships
But now met a woman, who is mortgage free.
Sold my gaff, moved in with her, and bought the most special relevant car to my needs/dreams
opportunity.
if it all goes t1ts up, I can sell up and re-start
Don’t think at 51 I’m having one. Earn enough, have money, property, even a wife who is 8 years younger and turns heads everywhere I go, if we’re showing off in a ph masculine way. No yr not having a picture of her sat in a bath of custard.
Only stupid thing I did at Xmas was buy the Lego home alone set. Thought great fun with the kids. And in the scale model thread everyone seems to be building all these “adult “ sets.
Guess what ? Building Lego when you’re not ten is really dull. Quite a cool set for Xmas but I feel very sorry for people filing their houses with Star Wars Lego mask collections and other such nonsense
Sadly I now to seem have more focus on my pension than perhaps I did.
Only stupid thing I did at Xmas was buy the Lego home alone set. Thought great fun with the kids. And in the scale model thread everyone seems to be building all these “adult “ sets.
Guess what ? Building Lego when you’re not ten is really dull. Quite a cool set for Xmas but I feel very sorry for people filing their houses with Star Wars Lego mask collections and other such nonsense
Sadly I now to seem have more focus on my pension than perhaps I did.
beagrizzly said:
. My current plan is to wait for it to pass.
A strategy I've lived by for many yrs.ETA, I did the oddball car thing, but just because I could, 1st time I had both time and the money.
Also caught up with some old friends, mixed results that one.
Edited by PositronicRay on Wednesday 26th April 12:35
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