There’s a definite connection between midlife crisis symptoms and having a mid-career crisis.
It turns out that you can dramatically increase your chances of navigating midlife and making a good midlife career transition by understanding a few simple things.
It’s no secret that both women and men go through hormonal changes during this midlife. The key is to be equipped to handle the challenges and understand how they can affect your career. In fact, I’ve used this same type of information and helped others make better life and career choices.
Elliot Jaques, a psychologist, was one of the first to use the term ‘Midlife Crisis’ back in the 1960s. Understanding exactly what’s going on is still a matter of opinion.
According to psychologist Orvil G. Brim, “Midlife,”the years between 30 and 70, with 40 to 60 at its core–is the least charted territory in human development“.
So, if you’re over 50 and you’re a little unsure about how to get your bearings, it’s normal. Midlife crisis symptoms can vary from person to person. But, there are some common similarities.
What Are Midlife Crisis Symptoms?
Midlife crisis symptoms can sometimes be traced to changes when a person is between 40 to 60 years old. Often it’s when they start becoming aware of the physical signs of aging, or they’ve experienced the death of a parent, or they’re dealing with the empty-nest syndrome. And, yes, they’re working at an unsatisfying job. Along with hormonal changes, this can create an environment laden with doubts, bitterness, fear, and depression.
It’s normal for people in midlife to attempt to reverse signs of aging, recover their youthful vitality, and start reflecting on their progress in life or their lack of it. Having a few midlife crisis symptoms isn’t uncommon. In fact, it’s a normal part of becoming more mature. Not everyone goes off the rails during this phase of their life. Often, they will make a few changes and make the transition smoothly.
However, the extent of Midlife crisis symptoms can vary from person to person. The depth and breadth of these symptoms depend on your emotional quotient.
Your emotional quotient revolves around self-awareness and how you use that awareness to direct your actions in a positive way.
Often, there are physiological and psychological issues, such as depression, changes in your sleep patterns, and an increase in substance use. You might experience insomnia or difficulty getting out of bed in the morning. (If you experience any of these symptoms, then you should consider seeking the counsel of a doctor or therapist.)
While men and women can experience various issues, there are some general midlife crisis symptoms common to both men and women.
General Midlife Crisis Symptoms:
- Dissatisfaction with life
- Fear of old age
- Experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression
- Feelings of insecurity
- Low self-esteem
- Doubting identity
- Unsatisfied with current career
- Doubting decisions made previously
- Looking for risky excitement, adventure, and variety
- Feeling tied down by family commitments
- Making irrational financial decisions
- Skeptical of their spouse’s love
- Regretting their marriage
- Daydreaming about their youth
- Seeking an intimate relationship
- Anxiety over unresolved issues from the past
- Worrying over decisions to make in the future
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Questioning the true meaning of life
- Sudden interest in spirituality, religion, and/or God
- Reflecting on the issue of death and dying
Midlife Crisis Symptoms In Men
The contributing factors of midlife crisis symptoms in men are a constant source of argument. Some think it’s produced by psychological factors alone. But, others contend it is caused by the reduction of testosterone. Yet, others deny its existence altogether, calling it a myth.
Most people are aware that women experience menopause. Still, most are unaware that men go through their own hormonal changes, creating a crisis in midlife. As men age, they tend to generate less testosterone and lower amounts of human growth hormone. A man’s testosterone level peaks typically in his twenties and early thirties. Then, according to the Mayo Clinic, sometime after his thirtieth birthday, the ordinary man’s testosterone level begins to fall at the rate of 1 percent each year. So, by the time he reaches seventy, his testosterone level might have fallen by 50 percent.
This can cause some men to undergo issues linked with their manliness and energy levels. Since the testosterone level and emotional quotient varies from individual to individual, some men hit a “tipping point” that can trigger midlife crisis symptoms.
There is some controversy about whether to classify this change as a “midlife crisis” in men since its onset happens gradually, often taking decades, rather than as abruptly as it does in women.
However, men exhibiting midlife crisis symptoms frequently attempt to do things they hope will bring back a sense of feeling young again.
As with other decisions in life, those made during midlife can be both positive and negative.
Common midlife crisis symptoms in men:
- Abruptly resigning from a job for a satisfying career
- Excessive spending on non-necessities
- Experiencing depression over the past
- Dissatisfied with their present lifestyle
- Lowered sex drive
- Desiring an extra-marital affair
- Acute awareness of getting older
- Indulging in excessive drinking or substance abuse
- Sudden interest in their appearance
- Bored with family, friends, and co-workers
- Becoming less tolerable of minor irritations
- Wanting to find variety and purpose in life
- Tired of shouldering the responsibility of providing for the family
- Desiring to relive the carefree days before marriage
Midlife Crisis Symptoms in Women
Women between the ages of 40 to 60, regardless of their marital status, go through substantial hormonal changes that affect them physically and emotionally. Each of these changes can cause them to resent the aging process. And, just like with their male counterparts, they often become conscious of their mortality.
Some research suggests that women displaying midlife crisis symptoms have more potential to go through depression and question their purpose than men. This can happen, especially if they have gone through a divorce, recently lost a job, or their children have recently left home.
At this stage, some women are more inclined to look for a meaningful career. While they’re less likely to go on spending sprees, they’re more prone to become concerned about remaining attractive.
It’s not uncommon for some women to question their choice of a spouse and contemplate finding someone who makes them feel more appreciated.
Common midlife crisis symptoms in women:
- Discontented with the direction of life.
- Acute awareness of getting older
- More aware of physique and overall appearance
- Bouts of self-condemnation and loss of self-confidence
- Regret not preparing for a different vocation
- Discontent with their skill sets
- Feel neglected by spouse or children
- Loss of interest in responsibilities
- Having spending sprees
- Having an affair and yearning for an exhilarating intimate relationship
The Impact of Midlife Crisis Symptoms On Your Career
Not only can midlife crisis symptoms damage your personal and professional relationships, they can damage your career as well.
If you fail to take control of your life during this time, you run the risk of ruining your marriage and then living with regrets after a midlife crisis divorce. Plus, you’ll undermine your credibility, lose your job, and forfeit your long-term financial goals.
Be Cautious When Thinking About a Career Change
If you’re considering a career change in midlife, do so carefully.
While you shouldn’t remain in an unfulfilling job, you shouldn’t just walk out the door without considering the consequences. Take the time to sit down and write out the type of careers that align with your passions, strengths, and long-term goals.
The job market is much more diverse than it was 5 to 10 years ago. In fact, many positions didn’t even exist a decade ago, so you may never have heard of them. This is one of the reasons that you should schedule a coaching appointment so you can discuss your options. Midlife career coaches can help you uncover a mountain of job ideas that hadn’t previously occurred to you.
Often, you’ll find options that offer a higher salary or better benefits. I’ve been a full-time speaker, a specialist in the motion control industry, a professional video educator, and a life and career coach. I would never have dreamed of doing any of those jobs. While I encourage my clients to explore career alternatives, discussing significant career changes with your spouse is essential. You’ll need their support if you decide to change careers.
Instead of Changing Careers, Consider Options
Just because you have some midlife crisis symptoms, you might not be ready to change careers. But you need to boost your emotions and your bank account. If that’s the case, why not turn your hobby into a side gig like an online business? By starting an online business, you can keep the overhead low until you generate some cash. In the meantime, you can remain with your current employer until you decide on a different career path you’d like to pursue.
Discuss A Career Change With A Professional
This is where a coach can ask the right questions and provide you with direction to discover the shortcuts and avoid missteps. Coaches have personal experience and training that can provide you with a different perspective. Plus, life and career coaches can help you avoid the pitfalls you’ll be apt to make if you’re experiencing midlife crisis symptoms.
Discover more from Midlife Career and Life Reinvention Coaching
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