Most people think about the mid-life psychological process as a “crisis.” Life roles gets turned upside down, some hopes and expectations were not met, and there is ambiguity about what to do next. Dr. Carl Jung, one of Freud’s followers, conversely, looked at the mid-life transition as a very rich period for people. It is a time when we are entering the second, and last half of life, and we begin to get more self-reflective about the past, and ruminative about the future. It is a time when many people become more humanistic, philosophical, and even religious, thinking about why they are here, what they stand for, who they are helping, and what the purpose and meaning of their life should be.
Here are some of the characteristics of this time:
- Re-evaluating Life Choices. Questioning past decisions: career paths, relationships, personal goals, what track you are pursuing.
- Career Plateau. Some people feel stuck in their careers, or they know they have taken them as far as they will go. Other people seek new opportunities, entrepreneurship, or more meaningful work.
- Aging, or Health Concerns. Looking at how the body is holding up, better diet, more doctor visits and more exercise. Maybe giving up some dangerous sports.
- Changing Relationships. Looking at patterns of friendship, or evaluating the primary relationship, or connection with your family members.
- Financial Pressures and Planning. Balancing mortgages, college funds, retirement savings and planning for the future.
- A Desire for Simplicity. Many people may want to cut nonsensical things out of their lives, focusing on what truly matters.
- More Confidence and Self-Acceptance. Despite its challenges, midlife can bring a newfound sense of confidence, wisdom, competence, and a clearer sense of identity.
So, while midlife might be considered a crisis in some ways, and is filled with challenges, it also presents us with many opportunities for change, enrichment, and growth!
