What are the different phases of our life?
Our lives unfold in distinct phases, much like chapters in a book.
In the initial phase, we spend years in school acquiring an education. This is a foundational period where we absorb knowledge and develop essential skills. After school, we step into the job market, eager to apply what we’ve learned and start our careers. This sets the stage for our future endeavors.
The second phase revolves around establishing ourselves in society. We secure steady jobs, earn promotions, and often start families. This includes finding partners, having children, and purchasing a home and a car.
Many experience material success during this phase, accumulating goods and assets that are considered markers of achievement. However, not everyone finds the same level of material progress.
As we transition into the third phase of life, we begin to reflect on our accomplishments. We ask ourselves what we should pursue now that we have met society's expectations.
We have education, a job, a family, and some level of material comfort, but we might also be grappling with stress and anxiety. This leads to a profound sense of emptiness. The question looms: “What is all this for?”
The third phase is not strictly tied to age. Some individuals encounter these feelings much earlier in their lives. They begin to question the routine of their daily existence and ponder if their achievements have been worthwhile.
Personally, I faced this awakening in my 30s. Although I had a stable job, children, and a mortgage, an undercurrent suggested that life could be more fulfilling.
I envisioned a life that was calmer, less frantic, with more opportunities for creative expression. In my case, this meant writing, but it could apply to any passion.
Over time, this feeling intensified. It evolved from mild frustration into a powerful urge to pursue something entirely different. I was ready to embrace the third phase of life.
Not everyone will resonate with this feeling. If you find joy and satisfaction in your current phase, that is perfectly acceptable. Yet, the sense of frustration and the instinct that life could offer more is a familiar experience for many. Perhaps you relate to this as well.
Indications that you might be ready for the third phase can manifest in many ways. It is less about your chronological age and more about reaching a point where daily life feels unfulfilling.
You check off the major milestones set by society, yet you sense something vital is missing. You contribute through your work and strive to do your best, but it feels as though you are just going through the motions.
Common signs include feeling as though you are stuck in a monotonous cycle. You may find yourself reminiscing about the dreams you had in your youth. Stress could become a constant companion, leading to mood swings and irritability.
You may yearn for change, yet struggle to define what that change should be. You might find yourself drawn to stories of others who have made bold life choices, whether through podcasts, books, or social media.
There is often a desire to learn and try new things; however, a lack of energy may hold you back. Fatigue and trouble sleeping might plague you. You might start to find that former colleagues, whom you once respected, seem inadequate or frustrating.
In my own second phase, I encountered many of these challenges. Recognizing them prompted me to consider the possibility of entering the third phase. For you, it may be valuable to reflect on these indicators. Look for patterns in your feelings rather than isolated incidents, as we all have off days.
Transitioning to the third phase is not a quick fix. It is essential to recognize this reality. Difficulties do not cease to exist simply because you choose a different path. In the summer of 2014, I left my stable job to pursue a career as an author and speaker, stepping into an uncertain future.
Over the past decade, I faced numerous personal challenges, such as losing my mother to COVID-19 and my son experiencing health issues. I also endured periods of minimal income, and external factors like wars and economic instability continue to present struggles.
Despite these obstacles, the third phase offers a new perspective and energy to confront hardships. It allows for a life that aligns more closely with your dreams and core values.
This alignment equips you to handle life’s storms with greater calm and resilience. You become better able to support others during challenging times.