[bruce511]

Interesting. So I think you're saying that the crisis happens for precisely the opposite reason- ie a lack of success in reaching any goal. And a realization that those goals are now unachievable.

I would agree that this certainly contributes to mental angst, depression and so on.

But I'm not sure it matches the things we usually associate with "mid life crisis" (ie the buying of toys like a Ferrari or Harley.)

[bdangubic]

Lack of success might be a stretch because I think there are plenty of people at McKinsey etc having an amazing career but working 90/100/… hours per week and never getting to enjoy life. Speaking from my personal experience of seeing various people go through midlife crisis it has been mostly “time passes while we do other things.” then when it hits one goes “I have never ____” and “I have never ____” and there is now very limited time left. you know, like “bucket list” is exactly what it is, list is loooong and you are 48.5