Generation X women in Midlife Crisis

The Washington Post has published an essay on Generation X women in midlife crisis by Pamela Paul. Paul is the author of Parenting, Inc. (How We Are Sold $800 Strollers Fetal Education, Baby Sign Language, Toddler Couture, — and Diaper Wipe Warmers – and What It Means For Our Children); Pornified (How Porn is Ruining Our Lives) and Starter Marriage (And the Future of Matrimony).

Here is an excerpt from her essay:

Having put off kids for so long, we’re now up all night breastfeeding and skipping out of sales meetings to attend our umpteenth parent-teacher conference, while at the same time helping to pay down the mortgage and sock money into our kids’ 529s. All this precisely at the moment we’re supposed to hit the pinnacle of our careers. We’re tired.

It would be helpful, then, to acknowledge that women have just as much cause for meltdown as men. The recognition that all this is enough to tip someone over the edge might help women navigate the disappointments and confusions, the uncombed hair and forgotten dental checkups, of midlife.

I think Gen X women are more than tired. I think we’re scared; scared time is running out and we won’t be able to accomplish everything we need to accomplish before our children grow up and we grow old. And, carrying this heavy load is getting very old.

Hardship is relative. Have you seen Postcards from Hell on Foreign Policy? Hardship is relative. I already said that. The midlife crisis for Generation X women is quite real, but it’s not a postcard from hell. In the next day or two, I’ll share with you five indications of my own mid-life crisis and five Biblical truths that are getting me through. In the meantime, I’d love to hear your throughts on Generation X women in midlife crises. What are you seeing out there?

Photo Credit: Stefan Klein via iStockphoto.com

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3 Comments

  1. Jennifer James

    @ANONYMOUS – I appreciate your comment. Divorcing terrific, supporting husbands is horrible, but walking away from emotionally stable, energetic children is unconscionable. I don’t know how they can live with themselves. There are few things I am more passionate about that sticking it out in marriage. It ebbs and flows, but it’s always a gift I give my kids. It sounds like maybe you’re talking from personal experience?

    Reply
  2. Anonymous

    I’m seeing a wave of self centered mothers and wives blowing off all family attachments to find “themselves”. Divorcing terrific supporting husbands, walking away from emotionally stable and energetic children to start a selfish journey alone. They never seem to be able to explain themselves. Selfishness is hard to justify. 8 couples in my neighborhood alone. All women who thought all of asunder “they” could do better. Leaving a wake behind them. Good luck girls. Hope the non traditional feminist way of looking at husbands and family pays off for ya.

    Reply
  3. Anonymous

    I’m seeing a wave of self centered mothers and wives blowing off all family attachments to find “themselves”. Divorcing terrific supporting husbands, walking away from emotionally stable and energetic children to start a selfish journey alone. They never seem to be able to explain themselves. Selfishness is hard to justify. 8 couples in my neighborhood alone. All women who thought all of asunder “they” could do better. Leaving a wake behind them. Good luck girls. Hope the non traditional feminist way of looking at husbands and family pays off for ya.

    Reply

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