Midlife crisis?

About a year ago I started a new hobby.

I noticed that more and more people around me were standing at a crossroads in their lives. Somewhere between 45 and 55 years old. Kids left home, more time, a taste for adventure and searching for fresh air. With questions like: do I keep living where I am now, do I change jobs again, do I finally write that book, what do I do with the time that frees up after an empty nest...

On a terrace at sunset, I talked about it with my husband Jo. I'm 54 myself, he's 61. Our five kids have left home, one is still studying, and this summer our second granddaughter was born.

That new life stage we're in comes with a lot of dilemmas. It almost feels like a second puberty. What if we looked at that in a positive light instead — as a moment to consciously make choices again? Thirdquarter.be was born that evening. Jo registered the URL for the website right away — that's how it goes with impulsive people like us.

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Our third quarter, between 50 and 75 years old — how do we make the most of it? How do we push back a little against the image on social media, and talk about something other than supplements or how to lose 5 kilos of belly fat in 5 weeks?

Rewriting the story of midlife with a positive outlook. That's the idea. With inspiration, stories from midlife lovers, fun facts, tips & tricks. First, I wanted to find out what actually occupies people's minds in their Third Quarter. So I made a self-test.

A year later, almost 300 people filled in my Third Quarter Selftest.

I asked them how they view life from age 50 onward. If you take it, you'll know within 10 minutes what type of "midlifer" you are.

To the question "How do you feel about your current life stage," I got these striking answers.

Results from the Third Quarter Selftest (290 respondents)

Anything but a midlife crisis.

You have a strong appetite for new adventures and experiences, and pay real attention to friends, family and health. The search for more impact also stands out.

That sounds logical, but are you actively looking for it? What steps are you taking? Have you already talked about it? Where do you want to put your energy — and where not?

The question is: how do you want to look back on your "third quarter" when you're 80? Take the Selftest to discover what type of midlifer you are. And what you need to do next. If you can spare 5 minutes, check it out now via this link.

Third Quarter. Sometimes it rocks, sometimes it sucks.

And don't forget: tomorrow is another day!

Elke

P.S.: My new Keynote talk 'How to spend the Third Quarter of your career' is now available in Dutch, French & English. Get in touch on welcome@elkejeurissen.com