How to Avoid an Embarrassing Mid-Life Crisis
Mid-life isn’t what it used to be, and that can be a great thing. People live longer, taking better care of their overall health, and mom- and dad-jeans are now being worn ironically.
Dad’s body might be something to aspire towards, but not everything about the typical mid-life crisis has been embraced by society. There are still some common “don’ts” in mid-life that should be avoided. Diverting away from dangerous and embarrassing crises can help you slide into your golden years in style.
Here are some of the riskiest don’ts to avoid in a mid-life or quarter-life crisis and what to do instead.
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The Dreaded Hair Plugs
Both men and women suffer from thinning hair, especially in the middle years. However, there have been fantastic advances in technology when it comes to getting back that luscious head of hair.
From micrografting individual hairs (a process that gives the same results as a hair transplant but without major surgery) to lace front human hair wigs that let you customize your look daily, you can get the hair of your dreams without spending a lot of money or with any downtime. Leave obvious hair plugs in the past, whether you’re looking to get back a thick mane or play with different styles.
Being the Drunk Person at the Bar
Alcohol abuse and dependency can often begin in youth, but this risky behavior can also be slower. Remember when you were new to the bar scene, and there was always one middle-aged person who overindulged at the bar? You don’t want that to be you.
Practicing mindfulness and meditation in sobriety throughout your life is important for those with an addiction. However, remember that addiction can occur at any point in your life. If you’re struggling with alcohol dependency, it’s critical to get help immediately.
A Sports Car that Doesn’t Make Sense
This doesn’t mean that you should never get that Corvette or Ferrari. However, it does mean that you need to conduct a thorough evaluation of your situation before buying a car. Making an informed decision on any large purchase is a must.
A two-seater that fits within your budget and is an extra vehicle can be a great treat for yourself. However, if it’s going to be your only vehicle and you still have to drop the kids off at school—or if it’s going to put you into debt—it’s time to take a pass.
It would help if you also considered safety. For example, if you lived in a state like California, you should be wary of the number of fatal collisions. Having a nice car is great, but it does no one anyone good if you’re likely to crash it. Fortunately, most dealerships will let you test drive a car first, so you can test the waters and see if a sports or luxury car is a good fit for you.
A Hasty Divorce Comes Along with Mid-Life Crisis
People and circumstances change, but divorces seem to spike in middle age. There are several potential causes for this, including finding yourself with a suddenly empty nest that can make you feel like your spouse is a stranger.
Hasty divorces can be mistakes or can quickly turn ugly. If you or your partner is considering a divorce, think about counseling first. Having a third-party mediator is important whether you decide to ultimately work on your marriage or proceed with going your separate ways.
Quitting your Job for a Lark of a Career Change
Career changes are common in the middle years, and some are for a good reason. Maybe you’ve never been happy with what you do and have been working consistently to build the skills, capital, and experience necessary for a big change.
However, without foresight and planning, this can be a risky move when it’s essential to be preparing for retirement. Before quitting your job or taking a risky investment, talk with a financial advisor first (and career coaches, if applicable). There are smooth and safe ways to make big career changes at any age. However, it often requires building a support network around you.
Ill-planned Cosmetic Surgery
When approached correctly, cosmetic surgery can increase your self-esteem and confidence. However, in many regards, you get what you pay for. Finding a “cheap” option or undergoing numerous surgeries (cosmetic surgeries can be addictive) can lead to financial ruin and body dysmorphia.
A reputable cosmetic surgeon will ensure you have realistic results. A financial advisor can help you determine if a procedure is within your budget. MediSpas offer a wide range of non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures that can ease you into the world of aesthetic procedures.
You can avoid a mid-life crisis, and middle age can be a fantastic era. You have the experience, you’re more financially stable, and you have a clearer idea of what you want. However, regrets can get in the way and lead to embarrassing mid-life crises. The best way to nip this issue in the bud is to practice living in the moment and building supportive networks for all of your life’s needs.
