Thank you to Guest Writer, Sharon Wagner.
Sharon Wagner uses her site Senior Friendly to offer advice geared specifically toward seniors to help them make healthier choices and enjoy their golden years.
Our middle years come with all kinds of strifes and struggles. It just isn’t easy grappling with the changes that occur when we reach mid-life, whether it’s mood irregularities, weight loss or gain, sleep disruptions, shifts in routine, or alterations to long-term relationships. It’s no surprise that most of us experience a kind of slump when we reach this rocky period in our lives. Fortunately, major transitions like mid-life are fantastic opportunities to implement positive lifestyle changes. Here’s how to make the most of your mid-life crisis!
Move for a Fresh Start
Many people crave a fresh start during a mid-life crisis. If your kids have left home and nothing is tying you to your city, consider packing up and moving somewhere new! This is a great opportunity to finally live somewhere you’ve always admired.
You don’t have to navigate a full move to experience life in a new area. Instead of selling your home and buying a new one, rent out your property to long-term tenants and rent a place somewhere else—or use this opportunity to travel and explore a variety of fun destinations. This way, you can always move back home if you want to return one day.
When deciding whether you should sell or rent out your home, consider how much you can charge for rent, what kinds of monthly expenses you can expect, and who will manage your property. Do some research into local rental prices and the cost of property management services in your area. You may also want to consider entering into a rent-to-own agreement with your tenant.
Turn a Passion into a Business
Another great way to shake up your life in your middle years is to launch a dream business. Turning a passion into a business is a great way to find meaning and fulfillment when you begin to tire of working a traditional 9-to-5. Think about what you love to do. You can find a way to translate almost any passion into a profitable business venture!
Creating a business plan will help you determine the viability of your business idea and uncover hidden opportunities to generate income. Your business plan should include a description of your company and the value you offer to customers, how much it will cost to start, and the necessary steps you will need to take to get started, like picking a name and registering your business.
Give careful consideration to your invoicing process. Make sure you’re paid on time by sending out invoices immediately, simplifying billing terms, and giving your customers multiple payment options. You can use an invoice maker to design a branded invoice that includes your slogan, logo, and own design elements.
If you want to learn more about starting your business during your second act, our Second Act Entrepreneur Program takes the guesswork out of planning and launching a successful business.
Start Living for Yourself
Many people emerge from a life of parenting, hard work, and daily routines facing a kind of identity crisis. PsychCentral explains that you may find yourself questioning your place in the world and who you really are. Perhaps you’re reevaluating your life purpose, your core beliefs, or your very personality. While this is undoubtedly an uncomfortable experience, exploring your identity is a wonderful chance to rewrite your life according to your interests and values.
Embrace the Aging Process
Unfortunately, discussions about aging are largely taboo in western society. Despite the fact that growing older is a normal—and inevitable—process, most people don’t like to talk about it. But resisting the things you fear only makes them feel bigger and scarier.
Try to embrace aging and all the benefits that come with being middle-aged, like improved self-confidence, wisdom, more time to pursue your passions, and an appreciation for the little joys in life. Remember, you’re only as old as you feel. According to Psychology Today, research shows that people who feel younger than their age report a greater sense of well-being and better overall health!
Your mid-life does not have to be a time of crisis. While it’s completely normal to feel down during those middle years, try to look on the bright side. Focus on the positives, take some time to discover yourself, consider starting a business, and use this transition to create the lifestyle you want!
Learn about our Second Act Entrepreneur Program that will teach you how to start your own business during your second act in life. Our immersive course takes the guesswork out of planning and launching a successful business, designed for professionals without formal business education.