Any Other Mid 30's men dealing with Mid-Life Crisis?

Question

36 yrs old married with an incredible wife and 3 young children. Seem to have all the "symptoms" of mid life crisis but hard to belive since I am on the younger side of life. Anyone out there that can give a bit of guidance?

Answer 1

This is a time when many men reflect back on their life and take stock, realize that they're not immortal, perhaps are disappointed with some aspects of their life - dreams not pursued, etc. and a sense that time is running out - that they've reached the top of the hill and there's no way but down. It can be especially hard for those stuck in un-rewarding careers. You might be asking yourself "how did I end up doing this?" or "I'm not enjoying this... it just isn't meaningful to me" and come to a panicked epiphany that life isn't as nearly as long as you once thought it was. In youth, anything seems possible, but then the field of opportunity narrows, doors silently close. Really, this scenario is enough to give anyone a mid-life crisis! It's not all bleak though because I think these are valid feelings and I hope you take some comfort in the fact that almost everybody goes through it. I really think people should think about their own mortality more often because it would engender a greater appreciation for life - life should have that urgency to it. After all, as far as I know, this is it! So you don't want to live life in a half-hearted way. Maybe it's the wake-up call you need to give yourself the resolve to pursue things that truly make you happy. Think about what's really important in life. There's no problem in your marriage from the sound of it, so I can only assume it's with other areas. So if you're not happy with your job then now's the time to pursue another career or take some classes in something you always wanted to do. I firmly believe that people should always be learning new things, taking on new challenges. This is what keeps the mind and spirit young. Another key recommendation, although obvious - eat well and engage in some form of exercise. Often this is a time when bad habits start catching up with people, and there is natural tendency to blame it on getting older. Take control of your health and take responsibility for it. I guarantee that you'll be able to cope with things much more effectively and you'll be an inspiration to those around you. Life is all about balance, so you have to find that balance - but whatever you do, hold on to your incredible wife and three children and don't take them for granted! You're a lucky man. I'm actually not in my mid-thirties (does that disqualify me?) I'm fast approaching 44, never married, no children. I can sadly attest that having a mid-life crisis is even more difficult when you're alone. It's good that you're having these feelings at a relatively young age. Turn a negative into a positive by adjusting the way you look at it. Your mind is trying to tell you something - urging you to grow in a new direction, hopefully into a better person. Embrace it and use it to your advantage so you can enjoy the rest of your life.

Answer 2

I think what many call a mid-life crisis is actually a mid-life assessment...we realize that life seems to go by more quickly each year, and we ask ourselves what are we missing, isn't there more, is what I am doing really matter, am I really happy?

We can all change at any time that we choose to; so change some things....just make sure you are not throwing out the baby with the bath water....keep consistent with that which you have committed to.

Answer 3

Yes, I say go with it. I don't call it a crisis at all. I am having fun once again after losing out on a lot of fun. My 9yr old daughter is having a lot of fun along with me since I have started doing the things I enjoyed so much before getting married. My and my daughter are working on our first heavy metal album doing some home recording, we rocked the house on Pizza Huts open mic, and tons of other fun things. Makes me feel younger and actually even look better. Never call it a crisis, call it a mid-life awakening.

Answer 4

Is there something missing in your life? We all feel the "grass is greeener" but it is hard to look inside ourselfs and appreciate what we've been blessed with. Mid life crisis could be you have and ex wife, who won't let you see your children, and you live in an apartment because you continue to pay a house payment that the ex is living in, along with her no job boyfriend who screws her right in front of the kids.

Answer 5

My husband is 37 and totally having a mid life crisis! He is always "bored" at home and questioning all his choices. He is acting lately like a teenager/college kid going out with buddies until late or staying out all night. Um he did this when we first DATED many years ago! Being on the other side of the issue the wife of the mid life crisis sticken man I say be good to your wife. Don't be like my hubby and run out like a kid and lose your wife/children. Best of luck to you

Answer 6

I have been in a mid-life crisis for more that a year now and I am also in my 30's..It sucks because it forces you to look at your life and what you really want out of it. I have a "great" family also..But I am not happy. Just keep asking yourself what are you really afraid of..

Answer 7

Who's to say that the mid-life crisis happens around the same age for eveyone? Perhaps you are just re-evaluating the decisions you've made in your life.

Answer 8

If you have a crisis now, what will happen when you reach 40 or 50? You need to pace yourself, and get a hobby that doesn't include messing up a great family.

Answer 9

You are a bit young for that, but there's no set age that it hits. Evaluate your symptoms and try to pinpoint the reason(s) behind them.

Answer 10

Midlife crises in mid thirties???? you sure it is not the 'peter pan syndrome??