Comedian explains why Millennials are facing a 'midlife crisis' that no other generation can relate to
The previous generation would buy a Lamborghini or get a second family. Millennials cannot afford it
Comedian Mike Mancusi (@mikemancusi) knows the reason why the majority of Millennials are facing a midlife crisis, and he also has a solution to fight it. Mancusi believes that people between the ages of 35 and 45 are unhappy because they followed the "blueprint" and still feel unfulfilled. In an Instagram video, Mancusi addresses how a Millennial's midlife crisis is different from the previous generations because of the way they cope. As he sees it, there are two main reasons making Millennials feel this way — the inability to afford luxurious retail therapy and the habit of "looking back."
Comparing Millennials to older generations, Mancusi said if someone from the previous generation had a midlife crisis, their solution would be to buy a Lamborghini or get a second family. However, Millennials are unable to afford either of these things in this economy, which is why they try to relive their childhood. The second reason and difference is that the previous generations' midlife crisis was "built on looking forward," while Millennials' midlife crisis is built on looking back.
Mancusi explains, "We look back and go, 'Wait a minute, I was told to do all these things. I did them, and still I'm not happy.'" That is the main reason why Millennials are "freaking out." He calls it the "blueprint," elaborating, "We were told what to do, we were told the blueprint to follow, we all followed it. Here we are, unfulfilled." This feeling turns into a career crisis, and one starts to spiral, questioning everything they have been doing in their life.
Mancusi's solution is to "find something else to do." Whether it is a hobby, a sport, or a creative outlet, it should be something one is passionate about. The focus should not be on generating an income or pleasing other people, but on one's own happiness. For him, that "thing" is comedy and basketball. It should be slowly incorporated into one's life. Instead of letting a job "crush your soul," Mancusi strongly advised finding meaning elsewhere. Doing this can restore one's power and control over one's life.
The concept of a midlife crisis is extremely popular in the Western world. The term was coined by Elliott Jaques in 1965 after noticing certain changes in his midlife client's lifestyle and productivity. Despite its popularity, the concept of a "midlife crisis" is not supported in psychological research. However, that does not mean it is non-existent. According to research, only 10-20% of people actually experience a midlife crisis. Research also says that both men and women can experience a midlife crisis, and it can happen before the age of 40 and even till the late 60s.
Mancusi's video has reached 337k views, and over 18k people liked his message. More than 500 people are in the comment section, sharing about the things that make them happy, and picking up hobbies that they stopped years ago. @henryseven16 shared their story, "I’m writing again after 5 years. I used to do it constantly. But then life got in the way after I lost all my notes for the last thing I was working on, bills, debts, and this summer, when I had all but given up hope, my creativity came roaring back like a Phoenix reborn. Just to add to what you’re saying here, there is still hope for us. There is still meaning for us. We just need to remember that it’s not a constant, but integrate it where we can. We have to believe it exists, because there is another side." @harryzikosny wrote, "For me, this has now become running. Quite the form of therapy in my opinion. Since it seems like very few people can afford therapy."
You can follow Mike Mancusi (@mikemancusi) on Instagram for more comedy and short-form videos.
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