Mid-Life Career Crisis
These days the concept of a “mid-life crisis” has become a bit of a cliché.
Yet to millions of workers in their 40s and 50s, a career crisis, often characterized by a lingering “dead” sensation or the sudden realization that “things aren’t working anymore,” is all too real.
The crisis, according to experts, can be triggered by many things, including a layoff, a divorce, loss of a loved one, or pent-up frustrations.
At certain ages, we get wake-up calls, which covers mid-career transitions. It’s important to heed those calls, but also to do it in a way that makes sense for the individual.
For some people that means making an immediate, dramatic change; for others, it means slower, incremental change. Don’t burn bridges when you do leave your current job.
If you have no clue where to turn next, you should listen to yourself and others for ideas.
For example, analyze compliments people make about you. Think about who you envy, and brainstorm about what you want your world to look like in the morning when you wake up.
To get out of a rut, you need to explore, talk and dream bigger, avoid making rash decisions. This is not the time to leap without looking at all. It’s not all about jobs or skills. It’s really about your life.
Still, there are other avenues.
Some people may want to just stay in their current jobs and make their outside lives more meaningful. Mentoring, volunteering and other community activities are among his suggestions.
Be warned against wanting too much from your job in the first place, a danger that can trigger a mid-life career crisis.
Not everyone’s going to get the corner office. You can be ambitious, but if your life is your job, you’re going to hit a crisis sooner or later. What’s the worst thing you can do?
Doing nothing at all is the most dangerous path. It’s risky to make changes, but it’s even riskier not to.