Midlife crisis, how did you handle it?

35 comments

1. “spend large amounts of time in a dark room”

   I would start with turning on the lights.

2. Maybe turn the light on?

3. Oh… You have choices. That’s dangerous.

   I’m too tired for a mid life crisis. 

   Once the kids are adults maybe I will walk the earth with no destination. 

4. Hiking helped a lot. Something about looking out over a mountain range that was here for millions of years before me and will be here millions of years after me helps put things in perspective.

5. Find a hobby.

   Seems like the options at this age are grilling, golf, cycling, running, pickleball.

6. Don’t quit your job because you are bored. Take care of yourself outside of your job first.

   Do something new and exciting that will drive your energy. Around 35 I got myself a bass guitar and carbon bike. I have so much fun using both.

   You need to find something new that will excite you again. If you want to change your job make a solid plan, the job market now is difficult.

7. Im just here to say im in the same boat. Posting this to check more replies later.

8. I couldn’t possibly work remotely. The lack of human interaction would be crushing.

9. Have some kids man, they are awesome.

10. Understand that everyday is a gift and an opportunity and you must practice everything in moderation – including moderation.
    What I mean is that it’s okay to enjoy guilty pleasures in life. Take a week away from the gym and watch Netflix and eat junk food, take a vacation to a new country you’ve only dreamed of, and spend that hard earned money on fun things…
    A sports car isn’t a financially smart thing to do but if it makes you excited to go to the grocery store then it’s money well spent. If you like playing games or graphic design then build the PC of your dreams.

    If you have a few years worth of savings then you’re doing better than 90% of the world. You’re feeling a crisis because of the frugality and doing everything “right”. Make some “wrong” decisions and enjoy.

11. Have you tried upgrading / personalizing more things like a nice watch? It’s a materialistic approach but it shows yourself that you and your preferences are important. It’s also way easier than changing your job and starting a new company. At least, if that’s your itch, maybe that’s a token way to scratch

12. I bought a sports car. Yes, I’m that guy, unfortunately.

13. Find a room with natural light to work in. I think that will actually help a lot more than you might expect.

    In general, find reasons (hobbies work) to be outside.

14. Coke, hookers, an affair. Kids moved out before though.

15. Do what the rich kids do and learn to make art. Take up a painting, drawing, ceramics etc… class. Good way to express pent up emotional energy.

    Also do something physical, like lifting, running, cycling, swimming, sports, martial arts, etc…

16. How’s your physical health? A lot of mental health issues are masks for physical health issues, especially as we get older. What are your hobbies? Do you cycle, play Tennis, or spend any time outside? We need sunlight to be happy. You hit the gym at all?

17. Never had an issue with my own. But my wife’s MLC had her fucking a junkie she met in AA. I didn’t handle that super well.

18. OP we are on the verge of a major economic downturn, stagflation is already here. do NOT quit your easy job to try to do your own thing unless your own thing is restoring this fraying republic. If you want to quiet quit or start your own thing while doing current job, sure, but your primary stakeholder for this decision is not Reddit, it is your wife!

19. For me the term “Midlife Crisis” is a Misnomer.

    It’s not a crisis. Men aren’t panicking. It’s a Maturation Point of realization. Of in-depth reflection regarding past mistakes and as-of-yet unmet dreams and passions.

    It’s an opportunity to pull over on the Road of Life and get out, stretch your legs and see if there isn’t some other road you want to take before the end of the line.

    It’s akin to Fate whispering: “No more reminders. No more time to make lengthy investments in dead-end decisions. Shit or Get Off the Pot. Is this the Life that Makes You Happy?”

20. Me and wife went for motorbikes.

21. I can’t afford a mid-life crisis, so I don’t have to worry about it.

22. I work remotely (albeit my own company).

    I live next to the ocean in Portugal and can run or swim whenever I feel like it.

    We’re going to spend this winter season snowboarding and move to Thailand in around 12 months.

    Remote work is meant to liberate you — not trap you.

23. I lost my shit and went to seek out a mental health councillor for a few months. It helped. Really, especially if you’ve got the medical coverage seeking out a mental health professionals can make a huge difference.

24. I find smoking meats very therapeutic.

25. Get a performance boat, maybe some outdoor toys. Thank me later

26. I dunno if what you are experiencing is midlife crisis. Have you had the urge to cheat on your wife, buying your dream car, starting a crazy hobby?

27. I bought a lotus evora sports car and then retired a year later at 39 so I can do whatever I want with my time. Right after retiring I moved my family to Montana for a slower pace and the wilderness around every corner. I do a lot of wandering around the forest with a bear gun, snowboarding, shed hunting, hunting for gems and minerals, picked up a cheap boat for the local lakes etc. There’s a golf course across the street that’s calling my name as well.

    Some would call it overreacting a bit to the midlife crisis feels but I have no regrets. At least I managed to stay happily married haha.

28. Try new active hobbies. Get in shape.

    I’m 41 and do a lot of mountain biking.

29. I made sure to take breaks and walk outside. I go lift and or do cardio for the stress relief almost daily.

30. As someone who has worked remote for a few years, going to the gym during the day helps immensely.

    Don’t quit a good paying remote job. Pick up hobbies outside of the house.

31. I put a bench , a preacher curl bench and a bunch of beat up free weights in my garage and got completely jacked late 30s into early 40s.

    Pretty much just tuned out wife and work and improved my physique.

    At 54 I’m not as huge but I still run on a treadmill and am in better shape than most of my demographic

    That’s my answer

32. Motorcycles.

33. Ive been through 5 motorcycles, 3 boats, 2 jetskis, and I quit drinking which resulted in a 20 lbs weight loss.

34. I never got a midlife crisis as I did all the typical crisis things earlier in life, sports car, boat, dating multiple women, in shape, Bjj, etc. The only one i didnt do is a side chick outside my marriage.

    Now at 41 i want my midlife crisis to be “retirement” and “spending more time with my young sons”

35. Why are you working a stressful job? If I had no responsibilities I would work a job I at least tolerated and somewhat looked forward to working at.

    You should be sleeping soundly.