| A "mid life crisis" (which can happen at any time) is the moment when primary motivation switches from success to significance. In our early working years we strive to become successful (for some definition of success) and this drives us to work hard, learn, experiment and so on. Typically around age 40 you will have mastered the skills, and you will be "successful". So now you need a reason to get out of bed in the morning. A very lucky few are already in significant jobs, and this motivation switch happens naturally and without fuss. For the rest of us it's common to see if "playing with new toys" will satisfy. Like a motor cycle, sports car or boat. Sometimes this works, but often does not. The happiest people I personally know seem to have found significance in seeing "others" rather than themselves. Family, community, young, are all candidates for our significance. It doesn't have to change the world, but changing the world of 1 person is deeply satisfying. Financial freedom (earning more money in less time spent) allows more freedom in chasing this significance, and more means to do so. Starting a business can deliver financial rewards (although mostly does not) but can also be deeply satisfying in other ways. When you look at the office carpark, and realise how many staff, and families, are being provided for because of your business, well, that's a good day. |