When You Suddenly Stop in the Middle of Life! A Time to Gently Face Your Midlife Crisis

I recently learned the term 'midlife crisis'.

When I looked it up, my past self suddenly came back to me.

Has this ever happened to you?

I would like to write about it today while reflecting.

There are days when you suddenly stop in your tracks.

The morning air feels a little cold, or the ticking of the clock, which you usually don't even notice, sounds unusually loud.

'Is it okay to just keep going like this?'

Such a question quietly descends into the depths of your heart.

Perhaps that is the quiet tremor that visits you in the middle of life, known as a midlife crisis.

To you, who are working hard every day as an employee

Even though you must have overcome many mountains of work,
there are moments when you suddenly lose sight of your footing.

You have climbed the career ladder, but
'Where am I heading from here?'
There may be days when the future looks a little blurry.

Family and relationships also change their shape little by little.

Children leave the nest, and parents' backs seem to grow smaller.

Your own role has changed without you even realizing it.

Sometimes your heart just can't keep up with those changes, can it?

Through the lens of behavioral economics

Humans are creatures who feel that 'staying as we are is safe.'

Rather than taking on new challenges,
our hearts are pulled toward what we might lose.

That is why it is very natural to fear change.

However, at turning points in life,
I think it is important to take time to
'stop for a moment and think.'

Gentle hints from psychology

A midlife crisis is also
a chance to quietly listen to the depths of your heart.

'What have I valued until now?'

'What kind of person do I want to be from now on?'

Such questions can become the trigger for a new step forward.

Jung said, 'The second half of life is a journey to meet your true self.'

While appreciating the self you have been until now,
please gently reach out to the self you will be from now on.

From the window of philosophy

"Midway through the journey of life, I wandered into a dark forest."
Such words have been passed down since ancient times.

Everyone loses their way at least once.

But even in the dark forest, a gentle light will always shine through.

Without being too caught up in the past or the future,
gently turn your eyes to the "here and now."

In that moment, your heart may suddenly feel lighter.

Tips for gently overcoming a midlife crisis

• Gently ask your heart what you truly want to cherish.

• Take small challenges, one by one. A new hobby or learning something new is fine.

• Try exchanging warm words with people who share the same feelings.

• Taking care of your body also leads to protecting your heart.

• Try gently writing down your current feelings in a notebook or diary.

What you can do as an employee

Try reaching out for a new role,
or try making small improvements to your work.

Consultation services and training programs inside and outside the company
should also be there to support you.

And,
cherish your "own time."

Hobbies and time for relaxation
will also bring a gentle breeze to your heart.

Finally—to you, just as you are

A midlife crisis is
a "milestone in life" that everyone passes through.

Even if your heart is wavering now,
you will surely be okay.

You don't have to rush.

It's okay to stop.

May a gentle light
softly shine upon you, just as you are.

Take care of yourself today, too.

I will be waiting for you here anytime.