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This Isn’t a Midlife Crisis
I can’t help but chuckle when I’m cruising down the street in my bright red Camaro, jamming to classic ’80s rock. It’s a scene straight out of a John Hughes film, where the misunderstood hero zooms around in a muscle car, blasting tunes from the likes of “Loverboy.” But here I am, a 40-something who grew up in that era, behind the wheel of a 2014 Camaro. Don’t judge me; this isn’t a midlife crisis—though I guess it does tell a little bit about how I feel about life right now.
According to Chevy’s marketing expert Jake Thompson, Camaro enthusiasts tend to fall into two age brackets—20 to 30, and 45 to 55. Surprising? Not really! For those of us in our 40s, this is the time when we finally have the freedom to spend on ourselves. I like to think of it as my “me” time—not a midlife crisis at all. As psychologist Erik Erikson pointed out, midlife is that phase when we establish careers, settle down, and start families. If we feel like we’ve missed the mark by the time we hit our 40s, it can lead to feelings of stagnation. But that couldn’t be further from my truth! I’m proud of my journey and all I’ve achieved, and now it’s time to focus on me.
For much of my 20s, 30s, and even into my 40s, my life revolved around my kids, family, and home. I drove the safe, family-friendly sedans and the typical soccer mom SUVs. I sacrificed my own style and budget to ensure my kids could wear the latest brands like Nike and Hollister. I skipped spa days and trendy highlights, funneling that money into their activities and camps. When they started driving, we made more sacrifices, living without luxuries like fancy dinners and vacations. Thankfully, by the time they were juniors in high school, both had part-time jobs to help with car expenses, which made me feel like I was finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel.
Fast forward to now—my “kids” are young adults with their own jobs. This is where my “me” time has truly kicked in. My 21-year-old daughter often jokes about how my wardrobe has outgrown hers. She loves to “shop” in my closet for accessories and makeup. With my newfound freedom, I’ve indulged in highlights, manicures, gym memberships, and date nights with my husband—all while enjoying my beloved Camaro.
Sure, it might look like a midlife crisis to outsiders, but for me, it’s about embracing life and spending time with my husband. Honestly, we probably go out more now than our kids do!
I have no regrets about those years of sacrifice. As parents, we aspire for our children to have better experiences than we did. It was my joy to provide those opportunities, shaping them into well-rounded individuals. And while I may have settled for budget-friendly brands back then, I still found ways to treat myself.
So, the next time you see a woman in her 40s hop out of a flashy Camaro, don’t jump to conclusions about a midlife crisis. Instead, celebrate her for finally putting herself first. She’s earned it!
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In summary, embracing your own desires and interests in midlife doesn’t have to be seen as a crisis; rather, it’s an opportunity to celebrate personal growth and newfound freedom.