Early adulthood is an exciting launch into clarifying identity, honing your craft, proving yourself, and becoming known as a good teammate. Late adulthood is for stock-taking and finding a way to give back. The middle years bring their own unique developmental challenges.
For most of us, the transition from the 30’s to the 40’s is a period of integration. Perspective broadens and the world starts to make sense. The task of finding fit in both interpersonal and professional circles becomes paramount. Lack of fit in either sphere becomes intolerable. Divorces and job changes are common. Whether a tweak or an overhaul, getting it right takes on urgency.
This is also a common time to seek coaching or counseling. It helps to have an objective partner in the problem-solving quest. Together, you define the challenge, sort through options, weigh pros and cons, and select a path. Soon thereafter, you’ll be able to evaluate whether you made a good choice. Then it’s either onward or back to the drawing board.
Your coach or counselor offers specific tools and resources customized to the mid-life/mid-career dynamics in play:
- Assessment of strengths, interests, values, personality, and workplace preferences.
- Clarification of current life priorities.
- Gaps in overall wellness and strategies for improvement.
With or without assistance, the goal is to align your path with the accrued maturity you have earned by living life for 4+ decades. Move insight to action. Make hay while the sun shines.
So, if you are feeling the itch for a change and you are between the ages of 35 and 55, scratch it. Choose your own midlife crisis. You don’t have to buy the Corvette. Maybe a realignment with your purpose will relieve the distress.
