Posted on 08/15/2007 1:10:15 PM PDT by Responsibility2nd
Some might say that all they have to worry about is getting to work on time and the onset of a little middle-aged spread.
But men in their late-30s and early-40s are the least content of all of us, it seems.
Whether they are mourning the passing of their prime or struggling to cope with the demands of a job and young family, those aged 35-44 invariably hit a mid-life crisis when their happiness level plunges lower than at any other age, according to a study for the Government.
It makes them the least satisfied members of society, scoring well below teenagers, the elderly - and women of all ages.
Researchers found that it takes men until they reach the age of 65 to start enjoying life as much as they did in their late-teens and early-20s.
More than 1,600 people were asked to score their wellbeing on a scale of one to ten in the study, part of the British Market Research Bureau survey of Britons' attitudes towards themselves,
The overall average satisfaction level for both sexes was 7.3.
Most men rated their carefree teenage years between the age of 16-24 as one if their happiest periods, with an average score of 7.55 out of ten.
But halfway through their careers, satisfaction levels dipped to a low of 6.8, only rising again to nearly 7.8 once they had crested retirement age.
The report found that women are less buoyant in their teens than men, rating their wellbeing at 7.3 out of ten.
Women said their worst years were between the age of 25 and 34, when most are coping with young children, but their wellbeing rose steadily as they got older, reaching hit a peak satisfaction level of 7.65 when over the age of 65.
Researchers found that most people rated their time at universityas the best years of their life, closely followed by their retirement years.
The biggest difference between the sexes was in the contentment of those not working, with women far happier than men to stay at home not seeking work.
Overall, 74 per cent of the UK population reported that they feel positive about themselves.
But women are more likely to fret, with almost half admitting that they worry a lot, compared to less than a third of men.
When I hit 40.
It seems 40 hit back.
Why the late-30s are a man’s misery years,?.........marriage?......
For me it was 35. That was when I realized that when filling out a Warranty Registration card, I could no longer check the “18-34” box and instead had to go to the “35-55” box.
I got married at 38.
Do I need to say more?
Nah.....
Divorce!
Take a dose of Viagra, throw a huge party and call the doctor in the morning.
But it was caused by marriage in the first place!.......
“The biggest difference between the sexes was in the contentment of those not working, with women far happier than men to stay at home not seeking work. “
So true. I’m 37 and am currently staying home with the kids for a second stint. I love hanging out with my boys, but I feel worthless not bringing in a paycheck even though every penny went to taxes, gas, drycleaning, and daycare when I was working. When my youngest is in school fulltime, I’m getting back out there regardless of the lack of economic incentive.
I wanted to have a “mid-life crisis” but my wife wouldn’t let me...........
I’m 43,been working the same job for 24yrs,got 10yrs left on the mortgage,truck is paid off,still single,got money in the bank and good retirement account,health is good,activity is good...bear baiting starts this weekend....life couldn’t be better!
Jesus! That hit a little close to home.
;-)
Great... Currently, 39 is pummeling me and has me on the ropes. It doesn't get any better?
“UK population”
Key words....enough said...
Realizing that it was 30 years since Elvis died hit me in the gut fairly hard. I remember that day so very well. However, life has never been better for me. I make more money than ever with less stress, my wife is a goddess, and I’m in better shape than ever. I turned 40 in April. 40 is the new 30 dontchaknow.
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Hitting 40 didn’t bother me. Hitting 50 didn’t bother me. Who knows what hitting 60 will do. I still have a few left before then however. Getting older sure does beat the hell out of the alternative though. :)
Just tell her it's better for haulin' stuff from the Depot.
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