Mid-Life Unhappiness? Take the Next Leap.
Have you hit that dreaded bump in the road? Career and life going great, but then you cross the “40” age line and you feel off-kilter? You aren’t the only one. Several articles have brought to light the phenomenon of the “Happiness U-Curve,” which drops and plateaus in one’s 40’s and starts to rise again in one's 50’s.
Jonathan Rauch wrote about this in “The Real Roots of Midlife Crisis” in The Atlantic and shared how the u-curve is universal, so people shouldn’t think it’s just them. It’s a well-researched and compelling piece, yet one that left open the question, “What can someone do about it?” Willowing in misery for over a decade seems ridiculous and not the right answer. Just hold on and wait for it to pass? Doesn’t seem wise.
Hannes Schwandt wrote the article, “Why So Many of Us Experience a Midlife Crisis,” for Harvard Business Review. Schwandt’s research is referenced in Rauch’s article on midlife crisis and the u-curve. Thankfully Schwandt takes his article one step further to give guidance on what to do about this fated time. His two suggestions:
Personally, acknowledge and accept: One can soften the sting by acknowledging that this is a common phenomenon and accepting the disappointment one may feel in not meeting expected aspirations.
Within companies, provide career guidance: Companies have an opportunity to help employees get through this stage and remain vital, happy contributors.
Even more inspiring and also from Harvard Business Review is an article by Sarah Green in which she interviews Nilofer Merchant, a Silicon innovator and thought leader, for advice on life reinvention, another approach one can take. Ms. Merchant’s story and guidance make finding a new path feel real and possible.
The Insight: Perhaps the main thing we need to accept is that things are bound to change at the mid-life milestone. It is normal, and frankly we’re probably ready for something new anyway. At this point, most have been there, done that. It will take courage to embrace change, but the answer to finding new fulfillment may just be in making the leap to the next challenge in your life.
Photo Credit: Flickr: ClickFlashPhotos / Nicki Varkevisser