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A Map To Find Your Way Out Of The Underwhelm Of Midlife
When what used to feel so important to you no longer does
A few years ago, I was facing a transitional period of my life.
I always loved working. I loved the intellectual stimulation involved. But also, let’s be honest. I got a real buzz from conventional achievements — degrees, fancy jobs, paychecks.
In my early 40’s, life began to feel a little different.
That buzz that I used to feel from all those things started to fade. I wasn’t sure what had happened. Maybe it was because I had kids. Maybe it was because I no longer “had” to work in the same way. I had reached a certain level of success in my career. I was no longer striving for the top. I no longer needed to. Or maybe I didn’t have the same fire, I wasn’t sure.
At first I thought I needed to change jobs. I tried that. It helped in some ways but felt worse in others. I still couldn’t get that same charge that I used to feel.
I started to think that I wanted more balance in my life. But I couldn’t find things outside of work that felt fulfilling, or worthwhile, or frankly, not boring. I mean, I love my kids and they kept me busy for sure. But I felt a little bit like I was punching a clock.
