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This Is Not A Midlife Crisis
There I am, cruising down the street in my Camaro, jamming out to some classic hair bands from the ’80s. It’s a scene that screams nostalgia, reminiscent of those rebellious teen movies where the bad boy drives a muscle car while blasting “Loverboy.” But here I am, a forty-something gal from that same era, happily behind the wheel of my 2014 Camaro. Before you start judging, let me clarify—this is not a midlife crisis; it’s just a well-deserved phase of life.
Chevrolet’s marketing exec, Mike Johnson, points out that Camaro fans typically fall into two age groups: 20 to 30 and 45 to 55. Surprising? Not really! For those of us in our 40s, it’s the golden time to finally treat ourselves. I like to think of it as my “me” time—not some crisis. According to developmental psychologist, Dr. Amy Richards, midlife signifies a period where you “establish your careers, settle down in relationships, start families, and feel a sense of belonging.” When people don’t hit these milestones (generally between ages 40 to 65), they might feel stuck and unproductive, leading to what we traditionally call a midlife crisis. But my life tells a different story. I’m genuinely proud of my accomplishments over the past four decades, and now I’m finally focusing on myself.
For most of my 20s, 30s, and even into my early 40s, my life revolved around my kids, family, and home. I drove the safe, family-friendly vehicles and the typical SUVs that scream “soccer mom.” I put my own fashion sense on the back burner to ensure my kids had all the trendy clothing—Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, you name it. I skipped spa days and fancy highlights to cover activity fees and camp costs. By the time my kids were juniors in high school, they were working part-time jobs, which helped ease the financial burden and allowed me to see some light at the end of the tunnel.
Fast forward to today. My kids are grown and have their own jobs, which means I can finally focus on me. My 21-year-old son has joked about how my wardrobe has expanded to the point where he borrows clothes and even raids my jewelry box. I’ve turned my attention to treating myself—think luxurious highlights, manicures, and maybe a little too much time shopping at Sephora. Plus, my husband and I are enjoying more date nights, and yes, I’m still loving my Camaro.
I can see why some might view this as a midlife crisis. But honestly, I’m in a phase where I can luxuriate in my own choices and live life to the fullest. In fact, my husband and I probably go out more than our kids do these days!
Looking back, I don’t regret those years of sacrifice. As parents, we always want the best for our children. It felt great to provide them with experiences that shaped them into well-rounded adults. Sure, I traded high-end clothes for budget-friendly finds at stores like Target, but I still managed to find joy in simpler living.
So, the next time you spot a woman in her 40s stepping out of a sleek Camaro, don’t jump to conclusions about a midlife crisis. Instead, give her a nod for finally prioritizing herself. She deserves it!
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