A Candid Conversation About the Midlife, Mid-Career "Malaise" and Why It Matters

Summary: In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, I am launching a new three-part series for the Mid-Career Mastery newsletter titled "Mental Health in the Middle" for the remaining month. This inaugural edition aims to amplify and shine a spotlight on a very common, but highly overlooked phenomenon and reality when it comes to mental well-being: the dynamics of midlife/mid-career malaise.

In today's new world of work, there's been a lot of focus recently on mental health and wellness — especially among younger generations such as Gen Z.

While this is an extremely important and relevant issue for Gen Z that must be addressed — there is also a silent and significant mental wellness dynamic that is overlooked, and is unfortunately under-prioritized.

And that is the pervasive malaise experienced by midlife and mid-career professionals.

Despite reaching significant milestones and achieving professional success, many individuals during their middle years (e.g., 40s, 50s, and even 60s) find themselves grappling with increased feelings of stress, burnout, and existential crisis.

This demographic often carries immense responsibilities at work and home, and this compounded stress can lead to serious mental health challenges that affect not only themselves personally, but also their loved ones and others within their circle of influence.

Also, there is a stigma attached to mental health, especially within the workplace for people who are considered to be more seasoned and experienced.

People in midlife often feel a societal expectation to have everything "figured out" by now. Admitting to struggling with burnout or mental health issues can feel like admitting to failure.

So in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, I am launching a special series titled "Mental Health in the Middle" for the Mid-Career Mastery newsletter.

To anchor the launch of the series (appropriately at mid-week and at the midpoint of May), I want to highlight an important conversation I had with Black Enterprise Magazine as a previous guest on their top-rated streaming show "Beyond the Hype," hosted by Alfred Edmond Jr. , who serves as the brand's SVP and Executive Editor.

The topic of the episode was "Maximizing Career Success After Age 40."

However, for this special edition, I want to highlight various clips from our conversation that go beyond the usual discussions of career growth and success.

And that is the heightened feelings of malaise and misery that many professionals experience, particularly at midlife and mid-career.

A U-Shape Discovery of Misery and Malaise in the Middle

When I stumbled across this — number one, it let me know that I wasn't alone. Number two, that this is something that's probably wired biologically in us.

According to numerous research studies using large datasets around the world, there is a proven and consistent relationship between age and happiness.

Data has shown our level of happiness follows a U-shaped trajectory (a curve) over the course of our adult lives, that tends to decrease in the 40s and early 50s and then increases again in the later years.

This well-documented phenomenon is commonly referred to as the U-Curve of Happiness, and was initially discovered by labor economists who were researching the correlation between age and workplace well-being.

So why does this happen?

This midlife dip is often where the feelings of malaise and dissatisfaction peak. It's a period where people reassess their lives, careers, and contributions, leading to an increased feeling of anxiety, existential questioning, and even depression if not addressed properly.

Also during this time, many individuals grapple with unfulfilled aspirations, and mounting responsibilities.

And this phenomenon is not just anecdotal. It is a statistically significant trend observed across many cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Below is a clip from my conversation with Alfred where I unpack this in more detail.

Also, a recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) indicated that an apex of stress typically occurs around the same midpoint of during our 40s and early 50s, thus forming an inverted "hill shape."

The Malaise is Actually Very Common Among High Achievers

People would think that the malaise happens for the people who feel like they haven't been successful in their career. But the malaise happens when you've been as successful as you could possibly have imagined. And then you're sitting there like..."But what now?"

While it may seem counterintuitive, the midlife malaise often strikes those at the peak of their careers and earning power.

High achievers, who seemingly have it all—prestigious positions and recognition—are not immune to this period of distress and professional discontent. You may think by all external measures, they should be at their happiest.

Yet internally, they may experience a profound sense of emptiness and disconnection.

Watch the clip below as Alfred candidly talks about his own professional malaise and happiness slump during his mid-40s — when he felt that his career was in "cruise control" and had hit its ceiling.

Even when he reached a pinnacle of leadership and success.

High achievers often set very high standards for themselves. They've typically spent their earlier years accumulating achievements, climbing career ladders, and striving for excellence.

However when they hit midlife, there is a realization that despite their success, they're not as fulfilled as they expected to be.

As Alfred stated and reflected on his own experience, "People would think that the malaise happens for the people who feel like they haven't been successful in their career. But the malaise happens when you've been as successful as you could possibly have imagined. And then you're sitting there like..."But what now?"

Also, there may be an overwhelming pressure to maintain success, and increased fear of not living up to your own or others' expectations.

The Effects of Ageism on Midlife and Mid-Career Malaise

Also, if you're a black woman over 40, you're dealing with not only racism — you're dealing with sexism, and ageism. I call it the "triple-isms."

Ageism and age bias have a significant impact and direct relationship with the malaise of the middle. Especially as many younger professionals are continuing to enter the workforce in large numbers.

Yet despite their expertise, skills and superpowers they bring to the workplace table, many midlife and mid-career professionals encounter age-related biases.

This discrimination can lead to feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and a sense of being undervalued, which can severely impact a person's sense of worth and also their career prospects.

In the below clip, I discuss the ills of ageism as a contributing factor to the midlife malaise.

And also why this explicit and implicit bias may be heightened for many underrepresented communities such as women and professionals of color.

When organizations don't value the experience and wisdom that comes with age, it sends a demoralizing message to those in midlife, contributing to their feelings of invisibility and irrelevance.

Also, many people who are in that 'over 40' cohort may worry that speaking up about their age bias and discrimination experiences could lead to them being perceived as weak, and not up to the responsibilities that their managers associate with their age and experience.

This fear of being misunderstood or judged often silences those who most need support, exacerbating their feelings of isolation and stress.

Therefore, it is crucial to foster and nurture a workplace environment where open dialogue about ageism and its impact on mental health is encouraged and valued.

In Closing: My Mission and Mandate for Leaders, Organizations, and Policymakers

As we acknowledge Mental Health Awareness Month, it is critical to know that the complexities of midlife and mid-career transitions have a direct relationship with mental wellness challenges.

Again, numerous studies have indicated that stress, overwhelm, and clinical depression peak during the middle years.

This is a time when we are navigating demanding careers, family obligations, and societal expectations. This, among other dynamics, can factor into an elevated level of distress.

That is why I have made it my mission to launch what I call a "malaise to mastery movement" to help reimagine the middle years from being a moment of misery — to becoming a meaningful season of magic and mastery. Particularly in this age new of longevity.

Through my consultancy Mid-Career Mastery, speaking, and my thought partnership efforts with organizations, I am passionately committed to operationalize career transformation at every age.

This involves amplifying the critical conversations among both the public and private sector, in addition to policymakers, around career longevity, age inclusivity, and the mental well-being for midlife professionals.

Central to this effort is also advocating that all of us work together as a community to drive a societal shift in how we perceive and support the middle years. This will ensure that midlife and mid-career professionals, who are often overlooked, receive the support and opportunities they need to shine and thrive.

Why does this matter?

Because remember...

The 'middle' is the central point of balance and stability.

When this (middle) falters — everything around it will crumble.

Gratitude and Reminders

Thank you so much for reading this edition of the Mid-Career Mastery Newsletter. I am honored and I truly appreciate it. If you enjoyed this article, please share with others who you think would receive value from it.

Stay tuned next week for the another edition in this special "Mental Health in the Middle" three-part series of the newsletter.

And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already to be notified when new editions are published!

About The Author:

Adrion Porter is a speaker, LinkedIn Top Voice, workforce strategist, age inclusion advocate, and the founder of Mid-Career Mastery?, a consultancy for organizations and their mid-career and seasoned talent.

A former 20+ year marketing executive, Adrion is now on a mission to help others master and maximize their transformative middle years and beyond.

Adrion is frequently invited by organizations around the world to present his signature model, The Mastery Map?, which codifies three proven pillars of transformation for navigating and thriving in your career at any age or stage.

For keynote speaking, workshop, or thought partnership inquiries, please reach out to Adrion here on LinkedIn, and/or visit: adrionporter.com.