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Original poster

Anyone else feel that time is running out

205 replies

Rankandfile · 18/01/2025 20:33

For the last 8 years or so I’ve had this feeling that time is running out, along with a load of regret that I didn’t do more / make different choices. For perspective, I’m 55 this year, have a successful career, love my job, head a department, lived abroad from 30-52 (one year travelling and the rest working) and have 2 teenage kids. I just can’t shake off this feeling that I wish I was in my 30s or 40s and that I’ll blink and be too old to do anything!! Talk me out of this ridiculousness.

OP posts:
Akitamum · 18/01/2025 20:53

I have been feeling the same way recently, like I have just realised the many things I still want to do and that I may not have enough time (or money!) to do them. I am going to be 50 this year and my DC although young adults are still dependent on me emotionally and I am so worried I am going to leave them as well. I think I feel it more as well as my mum died when she was 56, not from anything hereditary so I know rationally that won't happen to me but it still plays on my mind. Today my 22 year old told me her best friend from schools mum died and she is gutted for him and it made her realise I won't be here forever as well.
So I am being no help at all, sorry! I think I personally need to stop thinking about it, wasting time worrying about how fast the years go by isn't going to help, I just need to enjoy life and get on with the things I want to do and stop procrastinating!

middlewomanager · 18/01/2025 20:49

I feel this
And also a slightly shameful envy of my kids: who have it all ahead of them
I am not coping generally at the moment

WilfredsPies · 18/01/2025 20:46

Regrets are pretty pointless because you can’t do anything to change the past, and one tiny little thing done differently could have changed the entire trajectory of your life, meaning you were stuck in a low paid job you hate, never been further than a day trip to Calais and no DC.

But you’re right, we’re all running out of time. What do you still want to do and what’s stopping you?

parietal · 18/01/2025 20:41

The sounds intense. Do you think this might be a low level burn out? What if you took some time away from work and do something different? Art or music or travel or whatever.

Scissorscut · 18/01/2025 20:38

Time is actually running out so you are not wrong there. What is that you wanted to do? What is stopping from you doing it now?

What do you think is the purpose of your life?