What is a mid life crisis? I have been a successful Engineer all my life, now I don't want to do it anymore?

Question

Why?

Answer 1

When we reach a certain age - usually in our 40s or 50s - we begin to reflect on our life. We think about our past more critically. What we did achieve and what we could have achieved. You say that you were a successful engineer all your life. This was your life and you should be proud of it. If you don't want to this anymore, that's perfectly acceptable and understandable. People move on all the time. A change is as good as a rest, they say. Have a think about what you want to do next. Charity work is a great place to start. But if you have unfulfilled dreams, now would be a good time to start; it's never too late. It's really up to you. You can see this as the beginning of the end or the beginning of something new and exciting. Hope this helps you.

Answer 2

"Mid-life crisis" describes the idea/feeling that leads you to question whether you've done everything right in your life and whether you might have missed out on something. Typically, if you started to work early, have kids at a very young age, hardly went out, always were a bit of a serious kind of person etc. you might get the feeling that you missed out on some fun time. You might feel that you need to prove something to yourself, so you divorce your wife of years and get a younger, blonder girl to replace her or start bungee jumping... I'm sure you get the idea.

This above is a rather extreme version, but the feeling that we might have missed out on something hits almost every single one of us at one point in our lives. There's actually been talk about a quarter-life crisis in recent years. It is safe to assume that nobody has done everything 100% correct in their lives; we all made wrong choices; we all have regrets.

Start thinking about why EXACTLY you consider quitting your career at the moment. What is it that makes it disappointing/ boring/ unfulfilling...? You say your career was successful - so are you simply going through a phase, are you currently lacking challenges in your job? Is there a problem with a co-worker or the boss? Sit down with a sheet of paper and try to compile a list of things that you like and those that you don't like about your job at the moment. Do you have any idea what you would love to do instead or is it "just" a rather general feeling?

You could of course start something new if you really want to, you will hopefully weigh your options carefully. Or is it, as I said, more of a general feeling of wanting to change something in your life and your job just seems to be the one thing you "picked"? Would cutting down working hours (if that's possible) and spending more time on a (new or old) hobby be an option to just get out for a while?

It's always hard to tell via the internet, maybe some of the thoughts I put down are indeed things you can relate to. :)

All the best.  

Answer 3

I have a friend who was an engineer all his life. He made good money but he just couldn't stand his job anymore.

Now he's doing what he really loves doing ( Carpentry ). He's not making as much money but he's much happier.

A midlife crisis is experienced between the ages of 40 and 60. It was first identified by the psychologist Carl Jung and is a normal part of the maturing process. Most people will experience some form of emotional transition during that time of life. A transition that might cause you to take stock in where you are in life and make some needed adjustments to the way you live your life. Most seem to come through the process smoothly without making major life changes.

Answer 4

If you can afford it, take some time off (or a sabbatical), travel a bit, try volunteering in various activities or take some arts and craft classes - maybe you will find something you really enjoy doing.

Answer 5

A MLC is the realization that your life won't go on forever and the ensuing panic that often sets in that causes you to want change... to make up for lost time... to add what's "missing".  It's never ever too late to change. I've heard so many stories of people who quit long-time careers to do things as divergent as opening an art gallery in the mountains! The only limitations are, of course, in your head.  Listen to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0vRa3KiU...  It can get you back on track.  GOOD LUCK!

Answer 6

Maybe you need a challenge and you don't feel challenged or have enjoyment in your work anymore. Life is about learning...continual learning and challenging yourself to learn more.