Learning How to "Adult" in Middle Age: Figuring It All Out (Again)

Survival Fun Guide
Jun 11
4 min read

Remember when we were kids, and we thought adults had everything figured out? Joke’s on us. Here we are, in middle age, and somehow, we’re still trying to make sense of it all.

The kids are grown (or mostly). Our parents might be gone or needing more from us. Our bodies are changing in ways we never saw coming (seriously, why does my back hurt from sleeping?). And suddenly, we’re left wondering:

Who am I now?

What do I even want anymore?

Why is this so much harder than it should be?

If you’re nodding along, welcome to Adulting 2.0: The Midlife Edition. It’s a strange, sometimes frustrating, often hilarious journey, but here’s the thing—you’re not alone. And, believe it or not, you can figure this out.

Step 1: Accept That Change Is Inevitable (and Not Always a Bad Thing)

Life has a funny way of shifting when we least expect it. One day, you’re knee-deep in parenting chaos, work stress, or taking care of everyone else… and the next, the house is quiet. Too quiet.

Or maybe you’ve lost parents, ended a relationship, or just woken up and realized that the life you built doesn’t quite fit anymore.

That’s okay.This isn’t the end—it’s a pivot point.

You’ve spent years focusing on other people. Now, it’s time to figure you out.

Step 2: Redefine What How to Adult in Middle Age Means for You

We tend to think of adulting as:

Paying bills (boring).
Having a plan (hilarious).
Keeping everything together (LOL, sure).

But what if adulting in midlife meant:

✅ Letting go of the stuff that no longer serves you?

✅ Learning new things, just for fun?

✅ Allowing yourself to dream again?

You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to ask the questions.

Step 3: Reintroduce Yourself… to Yourself

When was the last time you did something just for you? No kids, no obligations, no “shoulds”? If it’s been a while, it’s time to reintroduce yourself.

What excites you now? (Not what used to, what does now.)

What’s something you’ve always wanted to try?

Who are the people who truly bring you joy?

What do you want more of—and less of—in your life?

This is your time to explore. Maybe that means taking up a new hobby, traveling solo, switching careers, or finally saying no to things that drain you.

Step 4: Deal with the Physical (Because, Wow, the Changes Are Real)

Nobody prepared us for this part. The mysterious aches, the random weight shifts, the brain fog, the oh-wow-why-is-my-body-making-that-noise moments.

For women: Menopause is a beast, but you don’t have to suffer through it alone. There are ways to manage the hot flashes, mood swings, and other delightful surprises.

For men: Your body is changing too—lower testosterone, new aches, different energy levels. It’s normal, but it’s also okay to take care of yourself.

For both: Movement, nutrition, sleep, and stress management make a huge difference. You don’t have to be perfect—just start paying attention.

Your body is shifting, but it’s still yours. Treat it with the same care you give everyone else.

Step 5: Find Your People

Middle age can feel isolating, especially if your social circle has changed. Friendships fade, family dynamics shift, and suddenly, you’re wondering where your people went.

Look for your tribe. Join a club, take a class, connect with others who are in the same stage of life.

Use technology to your advantage. Online communities, social media groups (like Survival Fun Guide—wink wink), and even meetup apps can help.

Be open to new connections. Making friends as an adult is weird, but it’s possible. Put yourself out there.

You’re not meant to do this alone. Find people who get it—and who make life a little more fun.

Step 6: Give Yourself Permission to Start Over (As Many Times As Needed)

Maybe you’re reinventing your career. Maybe you’re starting over in relationships. Maybe you’re just trying to figure out what happiness looks like for you now.

There’s no rule that says you have to have it all figured out by now. Seriously, who made that up? Life is a constant evolution, and middle age is just another chapter—one where you get to take the lead.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chaos, and Enjoy the Ride

Learning how to “adult” in middle age isn’t about following a set of rules. It’s about figuring out what works for you—and being okay with the fact that some days, you’ll still feel like you have no idea what you’re doing.

And that’s okay. Because guess what?

None of us do. We’re all just winging it.

So, take a deep breath, embrace the weirdness, and start creating the life you actually want to live. Because this stage? It’s not the end—it’s just the beginning of a new kind of adventure.

💌 Want a little reminder that you’re not alone in this? Sign up for Survival Fun Guide and get a free surprise in your mailbox every month—because who doesn’t love a little snail mail happiness?