Problem: Life seems meaningless in middle age
Problem: Life seems meaningless in middle age
Name: Jonathan Carter
Occupation: Banker
Location: Toronto, Canada
I'm Jonathan, 45 years old. From the outside, my life may seem quite successful. I have a good job, financial security, and a family—but inside I feel a kind of emptiness.
Life seems to be passing by amidst the pressure of work, the monotony of daily life, and the constant need to fulfill a duty. Sometimes it feels like I'm just getting by with my duties, but I can't find true happiness or meaning in life.
I had many dreams when I was young—to travel to new places, start my own venture, maybe do something creative. But the reality is, work pressure and family responsibilities have made them all distant dreams.
I don't understand, is this my midlife crisis? Or is my life really becoming meaningless? How can I fill this void?
— Jonathan Carter, Toronto
Solution: Askly Help's sincere advice
Dear Jonathan,
Your feelings are perfectly normal, and this is no exception. At some point in life, almost everyone faces these questions—"Am I living right?", "Is my life meaningful?", "Am I truly happy?"
There is no point in suppressing these feelings, but understanding them is the first step. Because you are now realizing that life is not complete with external success alone, but we also need peace within our hearts.
1. Is this really a 'midlife crisis'?
Many people call this time a "midlife crisis," but I would say it's actually a "life reassessment." When we're young, we dream about the future, but as we reach a certain age, we tend to look back on the past.
What you are experiencing is not a crisis—it is a process of finding new meaning in life. And it is completely normal and necessary.
2. Ways to get rid of boredom
You said your life feels boring. Here are some ways to overcome it:
- Learn something new: Start doing something you've never done before—music, photography, cooking, or anything else that interests you.
- Travel: The experience of going to new places gives new meaning to our lives. If you can't go far, then go somewhere nearby.
- Connect with people: Connect with new or old friends you haven't spoken to in a while.
3. Are old dreams still possible?
You said you had many dreams when you were young, but they were lost under the pressure of reality. But to be honest, dreams never expire.
- Do you still want to start your own business? Then start small.
- Do you want to do something creative? Then start now—writing, drawing, music, photography, whatever.
- Have you ever wanted to travel? Then plan to go somewhere you've never been before at least once a year.
4. Responsibility vs. giving yourself time
Remember one thing—family and work are important, but you are also important.
- Set aside at least 30 minutes for yourself every day. During this time, do only what you love—without any obligations.
- Learn to say "no." Not all responsibilities are yours alone, and sometimes you need to take time for yourself.
- Work smart. Hard work is not always the solution, but working intelligently can help you find time for yourself.
5. Is life really meaningless?
No, life is never meaningless. But sometimes we need to look at it in a new way.
- Help others. Someone once said, "If you want to be happy, help others." If you ever feel lonely, do something for others—you'll find new meaning in life.
- Learn to enjoy the little things. Have you ever thought about how beautiful life is? Watching the sunrise, reading a good book, laughing with your loved ones—the true beauty of life lies in all of these.
Last words
Jonathan, life is a series of changes. The emptiness you feel right now is temporary. What is happening inside you can be the beginning of something new, if you accept it properly.
So revive old dreams, find new experiences for yourself, and remember—your life is worth immeasurable, you just haven't found its fulfillment yet.
You are not alone. Take your time, slowly—discover life in a new way.
Best wishes,
— Askly Help