By Brad Brain
am about to be an empty nester. Coping with the reality of my kids growing up, and all of the things that go with that, is not an easy transition.
I think of my own mortality. I think of past regrets from events that happened decades ago that have no legitimate reason to continue to haunt me. Some days it feels like someone has split me open and ripped off a piece of my core, leaving a big empty hole inside me. I am yearning for the days of long ago, now gone and never to happen again.
Yesterday I had some desperate feelings of loneliness. The situation is exacerbated as my wife Holly is at an event in Hong Kong this week, so I can’t even talk to her as I typically do.
I suppose this is what a mid-life crisis looks like. I can see this as the type of scenario that can stimulate self-destructive behaviour. For me the only consequence so far is that I keep buying really nice cars. I know that’s the stereotypical cliché but I am happy with it. Holly isn’t complaining either.
There are more significant changes that can happen when a person reaches this stage of life. There is a significant trend called “Grey Divorce” where people that have been married for decades decide that its time to end the marriage. Apparently “Grey Coming Out” is also a thing, where people are now ready to announce their sexuality that they have kept masked for many years.
It's a tumultuous, disruptive time. Here's my point.
Brad Brain. CFP, R.F.P., CIM, TEP is a Certified Financial Planner in Fort St John, BC. This material is prepared for general circulation and may not reflect your individual financial circumstances. Brad can be reached at www.bradbrainfinancial.com.