Midlife panic

[Anonymous]

I find myself really panicking about life, what I want to do with it. There are too many options of where to move or what to do. All I know is once my kids are in college I want a reset, something new. I feel like I have atrophied in every way, just working and taking care of them and not having energy or desire for anything else in my current environment. Does anyone else feel this way?

[Anonymous]

I understand. I’ve started taking better care of myself. Lost 40 lb so my health is better and I feel better about myself. I’ve started making a little time for a hobby now that my kids are more independent. Invest in yourself and as uou grow & change, the answer to the question of what to do next will come to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I find myself really panicking about life, what I want to do with it. There are too many options of where to move or what to do. All I know is once my kids are in college I want a reset, something new. I feel like I have atrophied in every way, just working and taking care of them and not having energy or desire for anything else in my current environment. Does anyone else feel this way?

I am completely with you on this... I need a new adventure for myself!

[Anonymous]

Yes. My husband doesn't like flying or unfamiliar places, and I want to see more of the world before I'm too old to enjoy/appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

^ go anyway!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I find myself really panicking about life, what I want to do with it. There are too many options of where to move or what to do. All I know is once my kids are in college I want a reset, something new. I feel like I have atrophied in every way, just working and taking care of them and not having energy or desire for anything else in my current environment. Does anyone else feel this way?

YES! Every single day.

[Anonymous]

Similar, but not panicky. Just kind of paralyzed. Decision fatigue about everything, big and small.

[Anonymous]

Same here. I am completely burned out on my job and plan to retire in the fall, when I am eligible. I am 56. I’ve been shouldering too much at work and home for too long. I don't know what I want to do next, but a few months of morning walks and mid-day naps and afternoons/evenings with books sounds good. I plan to travel too, with or without my husband. I wish I had a similarly situated friend to travel with. I want a break from my husband too. I just want to feel free.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Same here. I am completely burned out on my job and plan to retire in the fall, when I am eligible. I am 56. I’ve been shouldering too much at work and home for too long. I don't know what I want to do next, but a few months of morning walks and mid-day naps and afternoons/evenings with books sounds good. I plan to travel too, with or without my husband. I wish I had a similarly situated friend to travel with. I want a break from my husband too. I just want to feel free.

Yes! My dh is pretty great, but he has needs too, and I want to not meet needs other than my own for a few days. I haven't had that in 20 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Same here. I am completely burned out on my job and plan to retire in the fall, when I am eligible. I am 56. I’ve been shouldering too much at work and home for too long. I don't know what I want to do next, but a few months of morning walks and mid-day naps and afternoons/evenings with books sounds good. I plan to travel too, with or without my husband. I wish I had a similarly situated friend to travel with. I want a break from my husband too. I just want to feel free.

Yes! My dh is pretty great, but he has needs too, and I want to not meet needs other than my own for a few days. I haven't had that in 20 years.

Same! I think there are so many of us in the same situation, we just need a way to link…I have thought about starting some sort of women’s travel club but I am too busy right now and I have no idea where to start.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Same here. I am completely burned out on my job and plan to retire in the fall, when I am eligible. I am 56. I’ve been shouldering too much at work and home for too long. I don't know what I want to do next, but a few months of morning walks and mid-day naps and afternoons/evenings with books sounds good. I plan to travel too, with or without my husband. I wish I had a similarly situated friend to travel with. I want a break from my husband too. I just want to feel free.

Yes! My dh is pretty great, but he has needs too, and I want to not meet needs other than my own for a few days. I haven't had that in 20 years.

Same! I think there are so many of us in the same situation, we just need a way to link…I have thought about starting some sort of women’s travel club but I am too busy right now and I have no idea where to start.

Why not make a closed, vetted Facebook group for local women who want to travel? A lot of people in their 20s do this.

[Anonymous]

Someone posted about a women’s travel company recently. https://www.womentraveling.com/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I find myself really panicking about life, what I want to do with it. There are too many options of where to move or what to do. All I know is once my kids are in college I want a reset, something new. I feel like I have atrophied in every way, just working and taking care of them and not having energy or desire for anything else in my current environment. Does anyone else feel this way?

Yes but I still have a long time (8 years) before my kids are all in college. I feel constantly drained between working, kids and husband there isn’t time left for much else. I’d like to just go away by myself for a few days and do absolutely nothing but feel too guilty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand. I’ve started taking better care of myself. Lost 40 lb so my health is better and I feel better about myself. I’ve started making a little time for a hobby now that my kids are more independent. Invest in yourself and as uou grow & change, the answer to the question of what to do next will come to you.

NP. Several people who are a little older than me (I’m 50) have said similar things to me about ideas of what to do coming to me. that may be the case, but I’d really like to figure it out now! I’m doing plenty for myself (exercise, spending time with friends, etc.), but I’d really like a reset with my career and interests and feel completely stuck like many other posters. OP, I’m feeling panicky too so I empathize. Good luck!