I often feel like a walking cliché as I cruise down the road in my sleek Camaro, jamming to some ’80s hair band. The scene evokes all those nostalgic moments from my youth, reminiscent of the rebellious characters in John Hughes films, with their muscle cars blasting tunes from “Loverboy.” Yet, here I am, a 40-something who proudly owns a 2014 Camaro. Please, don’t judge; this isn’t a midlife crisis—though it might have a hint of the classic trope.
According to Chevrolet’s marketing guru, John Fitzpatrick, Camaro enthusiasts tend to fall into two age groups: those in their 20s and those aged 45 to 55. Surprising? Not really. For many of us in our 40s, this is the moment when we can finally indulge ourselves. I like to think of it as my “me” time—not some existential crisis. Erickson describes midlife as a period when individuals typically solidify their careers, settle down, start families, and find their place in the world. Falling short of these milestones (usually between 40 and 65) can lead to feelings of stagnation and unproductiveness, which is what often triggers a true midlife crisis. My experience, however, is quite the opposite; I’m proud of my achievements over my 40-plus years, and now it’s time for me to focus on myself.
For most of my 20s and 30s—okay, let’s be honest, even into my 40s—my life revolved around my kids, family, and home. I drove the family-friendly sedans and the obligatory soccer mom SUVs. I willingly sacrificed my fashion budget to ensure my children had the trendiest clothes from brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Nike. Spa days and indulgent highlights were put on hold so that my kids could participate in sports and attend camps. When they started driving, we made sacrifices again, foregoing luxuries like fancy dinners and weekend getaways. Fortunately, by the time my kids reached high school, they landed part-time jobs to help cover their car expenses, which illuminated the end of the tunnel for me after years of self-denial.
Fast forward to today: my kids are now adults with jobs that help them make ends meet. Finally, the “me” time has arrived! My 21-year-old daughter, in fact, has playfully pointed out that I now have more clothing than she does, often raiding my closet for jewelry and makeup. I’ve embraced my newfound freedom by splurging on salon visits, gym memberships, and date nights with my husband—all while enjoying my stylish Camaro.
I can see why some might misinterpret this as a midlife crisis. But honestly, I’m at a stage in life where I’m still young enough to enjoy spending on myself and living an active lifestyle with my husband. In fact, we probably go out more than our kids do these days!
I have no regrets about the years I spent sacrificing for my family. As parents, we often wish for our children to have more opportunities than we did. It was my joy to provide experiences for them, and I believe it helped them grow into well-rounded individuals. While I may not have splurged on high-end brands for myself back then, I certainly found ways to look good on a budget—JCPenney and Old Navy were my go-tos. I just lived more modestly than I do now.
So, the next time you spot a 40-something woman stepping out of a flashy Camaro, don’t jump to conclusions about a midlife crisis. Instead, cheer her on for finally prioritizing herself. After all, she’s earned it!
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Summary:
In this lighthearted reflection, Jamie Thompson explores the joys of embracing one’s individuality in midlife, highlighting the transition from self-sacrifice to self-care. With a nod to nostalgia and a dash of humor, she dispels the myth that enjoying oneself in one’s 40s equates to a midlife crisis.