Changes for the new year?

You hate your job, mortality has you by the throat, and you’re lost. No doubt in your mind, it’s a midlife crisis. Well, let’s say you’re right. Does it mean changes for the new year?

A lot of the anxiousness that goes with hitting midlife is the realization that your body isn’t what it once was.

Who knows if our friend is really in a midlife crisis? Regardless, looks like someone’s up for change.

And what better time to think it over than at the threshold of a new year?

Jennifer from Spiritfinder asked if she could write a guest post for us. I must have said yes because here we go.

The mic’s yours, Jennifer…

Midlife is a time for new possibilities

A midlife crisis can be a misnomer because it’s not really a crisis that comes to you out of nowhere. It’s probably more of a nagging feeling that where you are in your 40s (usually hits between 40 and 60) is not where you thought you’d be by now.

But here’s the thing to remember, you’re a lot wiser now than you were in your 20s, your priorities have probably changed, and maybe you can see that the expectations you had for yourself 20 years earlier weren’t realistic or possibly even very smart.

Here’s something else to consider. The you of 20 years into the future may look back on today’s you and wonder why you didn’t try the things you always wanted to when you had the chance.

How to manage a midlife crisis

Here are some ideas to help you navigate this time of reflection and projection that is the midpoint of your life.

Your career

You may have made your career choice when you were still in high school or, almost certainly, in college. But you’re a different person now, and the career that seemed perfect then may have turned out not to be the best fit for you now.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t change all that. In fact, you probably should.

If you haven’t written a resume lately, you may be surprised at how much easier it is now, thanks to online resume templates. They can ensure you don’t miss any important steps and allow you to insert designs and specialized fonts and colors to make it really stand out.

Back to school

“Okay, it’s definitely time for a change. No guts, no glory.”

Thanks to the number of great online degree programs available, you can study and earn your new degree while still working your current job.

Some of the most in demand master’s level degrees in areas like business administration, health services, and Information technology can be found online.

But going where your heart leads you is never wrong, either. Computer animation studies, a degree in music with a jazz specialty, or a baking and pastry arts degree are all available as on-campus studies too.

Your health

A lot of the anxiousness that goes with hitting midlife is the realization that your body isn’t what it once was.

Your body is totally dependent on what you feed it, and if you’re not giving it enough of the good stuff and too much of the bad stuff, it’s going to let you know.

Speak to a registered dietician/nutritionist (after talking to your doctor and getting a complete checkup) to get advice on what changes you can make to start feeling better and keeping a lot of diet-related health issues from becoming a problem.

Next, hire a personal trainer to help you devise an exercise routine that will work for you and what you want to achieve. It’s also important that it be something you enjoy doing and that is practical to do regularly.

Of course, if money’s tight, design your own nutrition and exercise programs.

Entrepreneurship

One of the most rewarding things you can do with your life is to wake up every morning knowing you’re going to do something you love, something you created yourself, something that has always been a dream.

Statistically, the most successful business owners started when they were in their 40s.

Once you’ve decided on starting a new company and the business you want to own – and have done some preliminary research to see how practical it might be – writing a business plan can help put it all into focus for you. It lays out the blueprint for how you’ll make it happen.

Move to someplace new

Just because you grew up in a city doesn’t mean you have to stay there. And just because you own your home doesn’t mean you have to sell.

If you live in the industrial midwest, but always dreamed of living near an ocean, it’s possible to rent your current home out while you test drive life in your new location.

Think about hiring a property manager to handle the rental to ensure your home is leased to good tenants and that it will be maintained properly.

In summary

Starting your own business, going back to school, changing careers, or even taking smaller steps like a new hobby or making a change to your daily routine – you can find that your midlife isn’t a time for a crisis, it’s a time for growth and opportunity.