Before reaching a point of experiencing the so-called “midlife crisis,” many young professionals have the opportunity to take stock and better align their lives to their ultimate goals and aspirations. To avoid frustration and getting a sense of “purposelessness”, it is wise to stop for a while and review everything that has been happening in one’s life. In fact, there are aspects or areas in one’s life that deserve a closer look to see if one is living an optimum life. To prevent frustration, failure, or a sense of meaninglessness in the future, one can already take a so-called life temperature by evaluating these four points:
Physical Well-being
The first life check is about one’s physical well-being. The physical body is our means to live, move, and feel as living beings on earth. We cannot overemphasize the need to prioritize physical health, fitness, and wellness. These three dimensions cannot be separated for all three forms part of a cohesive, interdependent system that allows a person to have a happy, full life. For example, if one is not in good physical health, the ability to work is hampered due to illness or a certain physical disability. Without fitness, one cannot also work or enjoy life to the full because there are limitations in movement, strength, endurance, or stamina. If one does not have wellness, a person’s mental and emotional state is also not optimal to enjoy one’s work, leisure time, and life, in general. Simply put, having a sensible workout plan, enough rest and sleep, plus eating a healthy balanced diet is key to achieving good physical health.
In addition, it is also wise to sign up for reliable health insurance, especially these days when even young, strong, athletic people in their 20s or 30s already may experience medical problems, some even requiring surgery, therapy, or long-term medication. The need to pay attention to health care is a must regardless of age.
Work Your Way Up to Success
The second aspect of life that needs to be examined is one’s work or career life. Those who are new or are still midway their career often fall into the trap of complacency or lack of planning. In a few cases, some young professionals are not able to look beyond the enjoyment of their salary and free time to plan for career advancement.
When one is young, single, and earning a decent living, it is easy to feel that one still has so much time ahead and that the future is full of bright promise. Well, not a few men and women in their 30s or early 40s have expressed surprise and fear at suddenly nearing midlife so fast without noticing the years that have gone by.
When time and funds are available, it is still a good investment to earn a master’s degree or higher. Studies show that people with higher degrees consistently earn more across industries than those who do not have higher qualifications. The fine print, however, is to do the research and know if one’s major at the baccalaureate level does earn significantly higher when a master’s degree is added as a higher qualification in a specific industry.
For example, a bachelor’s degree in business with a major in finance earns a median annual salary of $73,000, and having a master’s degree in that field elevates the median salary to $101,000. It is also important to compute the cost and benefit of higher education if one can only obtain these via student loans. But one thing is sure, a higher qualification will almost always assure that an individual can aspire to higher positions with better pay.
Financial Security
The third factor that needs to be considered is one’s financial security. A young professional needs to learn about financial literacy so that he or she will make good use of the salary and not just spend it on stuff. As early as possible, a young professional or worker needs to have a vision of his or her retirement life. That retirement life will depend on how a person invests the money earned so that it will give a good return as passive income in the future. One’s financial security in old age depends on how a person uses or invests money while he or she is still young.
Relationship Reboot
Fourth, an assessment of one’s relationships is certainly one of the most important keys to living a full life. Examining one’s professional, home, and love relationships cannot be ignored. No amount of financial or career success can compensate for the loss of family and other vital relationships. By having a good work-life balance, one can be successful at work and finances while finding fulfillment and joy in love, family, and friendship.
Living a Balanced Life Leads to Health and Happiness
Having a midlife crisis is definitely not inevitable. People need to realize that life is made up of many factors or aspects that need attention. One must be physically healthy to work and enjoy life. The enjoyment of work is also dependent on how a career is nurtured or developed. When a career takes off, it often leads to financial security. With good health and financial security, a person can focus on taking care of others with whom he or she has vital, loving relationships. In sum, by finding a balance among these important and inter-related aspects of life, one can attain optimum health and real happiness.