What is a Mid-life Crisis and How Does it Affect Men in Their Careers and Relationships?
Many men experience a point in their life when they are feeling stuck and unfulfilled. This time in their life has even coined a term known as a mid-life crisis. It's when they start reevaluating their careers, their relationships, and their overall lifestyle. Does my career satisfy and fulfill me? Am I happy with my relationships? Do I feel like I am in control of my own life?
These are all tough questions to answer, but for some men, it's the only way to start on a new path. When someone is in the midst of a mid-life crisis money can be a point of focus but often isn't the primary goal. Instead, it's about finding meaning and purpose in their lives beyond money. At Mental Wealth Counseling, Gary Wolf has experience in both the world of finance and mental health. In this blog, he discusses what a men’s mid-life crisis is and how to overcome it!
What is a Mid-Life Crisis?
A mid-life crisis is a lack of meaningful relationships, meaningful work, and a lack of understanding of how you want to spend your time. Usually, this period of time starts when a man starts to realize he's not living the life he envisioned for himself. It is often accompanied by feeling overwhelmed, confused, and lost.
Maybe he's not where he thought he would be in the company he's been working for, or he's feeling disconnected from his partner. It can also manifest in various ways such as a person wanting to make drastic lifestyle changes such as mid-life career changes, buying or selling a house, or even getting back into shape.
Money Isn't Everything, But It's an Emotional Trigger
As we all know, money is important. We use it to buy our basic necessities and to get the things we want. But at a certain point, money may not be enough to make us happy and fulfilled. It's more of an illusionary goal, not a means to an end. Money is, quite literally, cash flow and doesn't necessarily bring us any emotional fulfillment. When men are going through a mid-life crisis, on the surface level, it may appear that money is the main focus. But at its core, it's really about seeking control and finding meaningful work and relationships that bring them joy.
A Career That is Not Fulfilling
Unlike money, meaningful work may be one of the main focuses during a man's mid-life crisis. They have come to a point and realized that they have been in a career that doesn't fulfill them, give them purpose, or challenge them in a meaningful way. Often, this can lead to depression, anxiety, and overall unhappiness. A meaningful job or career isn't built into our lives, we need to focus on it to have greater life satisfaction. This is why it's important for men going through this to think about what kind of work would actually bring them joy and satisfaction. As finding something that fulfills them beyond money will give them the sense of purpose and satisfaction they are looking for.
Relationships Can Be a Challenge Too
Loneliness is an epidemic and even men who are established in their lives, careers, and relationships are not immune to it. People are on their phones and isolated from each other. Society is no longer integrated as it once was but is now apart from one another and using artificial communication devices to "communicate". A mid-life crisis is a sign or even a symptom of this disconnect and it's important for men to address any loneliness they may be feeling. This way they can start focusing on the relationships they want to have and create in their lives.
Relationships are Complex
Plus, relationships are complex. They take time and effort, and at times it can be difficult to keep up with when there are other demands from work, family, and even yourself. This can be triggering to a man who is reevaluating his life and noticing the lack of meaningful relationships. They may be hesitant to come out and say it, but they are looking for more meaningful connections with their loved ones. That's why they use money as a crutch to start conversations about their current relationships. Money can be a difficult topic to talk about, but it's a way for them to open up and express their feelings without feeling exposed and vulnerable.
Navigating Your Mid-Life Crisis
A mid-life crisis is a time of reevaluation and change. It's a time to reassess your life and make decisions that will bring you joy, satisfaction, and purpose. You've been experiencing burnout, difficulty in navigating corporate toxic culture, and ceilings of fraudulency. This not only affects you, your career, and your mental wellness but also the relationships around you. It might feel as if you are stuck in a trap and in the emotional pain from working through these feelings but it doesn't have to be that way.
It’s Not Too Late
Perhaps you have thought about a career change but then decided you couldn't. It's too late, you're too established, or you have no other way to make money. But these are just stories that your mind tells you and are not actually true. There is always a way to make changes in your life, even if it's small ones at first. Think: How can I feel reenergized? How can I make this malaise less heavy? Anxiety, depression, stress; these are all real and valid feelings that need to be addressed.
It Starts With Understanding What You Want From Your Career and Relationships.
Once you have an idea of what you want and how you want to spend your time, then you can start making the right decisions. Put your best foot forward in your interviews, or take a break from the corporate world and try something new. You are allowed to reevaluate but the key is to not let stress or your mental health get in the way of your future. Line a path that speaks to who you are and don't follow toxic expectations from others or yourself.
If you are wanting to make a mid-life career change? It's possible to do so, even if it's a slow change. Do you want to rekindle your relationship with your spouse? You can start there. It's not only possible to feel reenergized, but you can also make the necessary changes in your life to find more joy and happiness. Therapy for Men can offer support and guidance during this time of exploration of self.
Learn More About Men's Mid-Life Crises at Mental Wealth Counseling in Kansas City, Mo
A mid-life crisis is a time of reevaluation and change. It doesn't have to be one of hopelessness, but one of opportunity. One where you can seize the day and turn your relationships, career, and life into something that makes you happy. Through therapy at Mental Wealth Counseling, you can figure out what makes you feel fulfilled and successful. If you are ready to begin therapy:
Learn More About Me and My Services
Use Your Mid-Life Crisis as an Opportunity to Grow and Learn About Yourself!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Mental Wealth Counseling
I know you may be struggling with more than your career path and relationships. This is why at Mental Wealth Counseling, I offer a variety of services. The services I offer are Therapy for Men, Financial Therapy, Couples, and Family Financial Therapy and Therapy for College Students. Your mental health is your mental wealth. Let’s get you the support, guidance, and resources you need to help establish your professional goals and build a life of mental wellness.
About the Author
Gary Wolf, PLPC and LPC at Mental Wealth Counseling brings over 25 years of experience in wealth and investment management to his practice, specializing in guiding men through mid-life crises and helping them find fulfillment in their careers and relationships. With a deep sense of empathy and compassion, Gary understands the emotional struggles and conflicts that arise from money, men's concerns, and family dynamics. Through his work, he equips clients with coping skills and self-awareness, empowering them to manage hardships and create positive changes. Balancing his time between private practice and community mental health, Gary finds profound meaning in assisting clients on their journey to mental wealth.
