A midlife crisis is a period of emotional turmoil when you are faced with the fact that you are getting older. Many people experience a strong desire for change as well as a sense of panic over unmet goals and expectations.

Surviving a Midlife Crisis

The stereotypical midlife crisis for a man is to run out and buy a new sports car or have an affair with a much younger woman. For women, it can mean plastic surgery and new designer clothes. Signs of a midlife crisis include a heightened sense of awareness about health issues, ruminating on the meaning of life, struggling with depression, and comparing yourself to others.

Unless you are single, the absolute worst thing you can do is have an affair. You could lose everything – your spouse, your children, your house, your retirement – even your dog! It’s not worth it. When (not if) the flame sputters out, you will be left all alone and penniless – the quintessential old fool. 

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Marriage is a lifelong commitment; it is not to be taken lightly. You cannot carelessly toss your wedding vows aside when someone new comes along. If you are not willing to make that commitment, you shouldn’t get married. Having an affair is a shameful disgrace and morally repugnant. Betraying the one who loves and trusts you the most shows weakness of character and a complete lack of integrity.

Though not nearly as bad as having an affair, changing careers or spending a small fortune on a new sports car is also unwise.

Changing Careers

The longer you work in any given field, the more you earn. It costs money to retrain for a new career. Unless you are independently wealthy, that could lead to a mountain of debt, especially if you have to quit work to focus on going back to school.

If you are absolutely miserable with your job, switching careers might be justified. But if you are just bored and looking to shake things up, changing careers is not the best place to start.

Sports Cars & Plastic Surgery

Most people know that a new car loses a significant portion of its value the minute you drive it off the lot. The average first-year depreciation is about 20 percent. On a $75,000 vehicle, that’s $15,000.

It’s only a matter of time before that car you thought was so cool becomes a source of embarrassment. You, at your age, driving around in something like that. What were you thinking? You will get rid of it just as quickly as you bought it, only for a lot less money.

You don't have to look far to find examples of plastic surgery gone wrong. Your face is out there for everyone to see. If things go sideways, there's not much you can do to hide it. Plastic surgery is an expensive endeavor. Unless you've been in a horrific industrial accident, it is not worth the risk.

Midlife Crisis

The feelings that accompany a midlife crisis can be intense and overwhelming. Knowing the signs can help you endure it. If you are having a midlife crisis and you know you are having a midlife crisis, you will be better equipped to deal with it. Many thoughts and temptations may come your way, but you don’t have to act on them. Sure, do something, but don’t go to extremes.

Add new things to your bucket list or start a new hobby. Focus on your physical health. Eating better and exercising more is always a good thing.

The Last Word

Sometimes change is good, but not if it results in negative consequences that affect your life and financial wellbeing. Having a midlife crisis is a normal part of life. It will pass just like any other phase of your life. If you reign in your emotions and show some discipline, you can survive it without messing up your life.

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