Nearly 50 and feel totally exhausted and overwhelmed with life, is this all there is?

Is there a local dog agility group you could do instead of a walk one evening?

Could you be anymore patronising 🤔

Gosh, if all I needed to do every day was get myself up, take care of a pet and go to work, my life would be so chill and relaxed and I would have so much time for replenishing, happy things. I am 50 but my children are pre teen. I'd exercise. I'd go out and do hobbies. I'd meditate. I think working a NMW job would be hard, granted, especially if you're on your feet or working with the public, but I'm still surprised you don't feel loads more relaxed and happy compared to when your children were young and you were busier.

It very likely is the menopause. That's usually what it is for me.

Op could you see if there's a local dog walking group on meet ups and maybe join them at weekends? Or some sort of walking group?

I used to until I started allocating some 'down time' to me.

As a dog owner myself, I appreciate a daily hoover is advisable but does it really need to be done every single day? Nah! Award yourself one work night a week (or even two!) where you exercise the dogs and the rest of the evening is yours and chore free to spend however you like. Life can become dull and boring when all we seem to do is work in some capacity or other. A dog-owning friend of mine has a sign in her kitchen:
'My house was clean and tidy last week, my apologies if you missed it.' 😁

I’m 51 and my kids are still at home (older teens) and I felt quite lonely, I put quite a bit of effort last year into trying to make some new friends which has helped.

I went through a phase where I felt my life was joyless so I started planning one outing a month well in advance. One month a theatre ticket, next month cinema, one month I planned a day hike with a picnic. One month I did an afternoon in JL with tea in the cafe. Having something to look forward to really cheered me up.

Quite a small thing but surprisingly it does help to list three things you are grateful for at the end of each day. It doesn’t have to be big things either.

I feel the same, life is so hum drum

The dogs are extra work. But how much housework for one person. Sounds a bit like your choices make life harder like having dogs. I agree with having things to look forward to. Meals out with friends new hobby, holidays. Life can be a grind so you need to have things you enjoy.

Yes I was just thinking whether there's a way to walk the dogs in company so you combine it with socialising. Dog walkers club at the weekends?

Also, if your job is meh, look for something with a few days wfh instead for part of the week. Will save you some of your dog walking and sitting costs and you can get some of the life admin done and out of the way in your former commuting time, lunch break etc.

Cleaning and house and garden jobs every day? That’s totally unnecessary, also dogs don’t need walking 3 times a day, twice is perfectly fine.
Miss out the night time walk, and cut down the cleaning days and that will give you some time to relax, maybe join a group, start a new hobby etc

A robot vacuum is very helpful to combat some of the hair (I have two very moulty Labs!). Doesn’t work for muddy paw prints etc., but definitely better than nothing. I’m really about about the medical issues though. That is so hard.

Seeing the GP sounds like a great idea as does investigating HRT. I take Gina which is a low dose of oestrogen. I was similarly exhausted and have definitely started feeling better. I keep meaning to look into other HRT options but I'm doing okay on it plus about a million vitamins and supplements.

If you don't friends you see on a regular basis at the moment, I definitely echo the advice to take up a hobby. You don't have to go looking for a best friend, but it's nice to have those regular social interactions. Could you do something with your dogs? Agility, flyball, scentwork, gundog training? I've made friends with a lovely group of people through my dog. I hear you on the fur shedding! It is never ending.

Also, do something risky that wakes up your adrenaline, like book a paragliding session or white water rafting, or a really high zip wire. See if you can tap up one of those old friends to join you.
Sounds like you need a boost!

Laughing is good so you could try watching some comedies in the evening.
Do you like to read?

How about the weekends. Could you plan some little treats for yourself.

Maybe a change of career or job? Definitely find a hobby too. If you’re doing so much cleaning yourself, and walking the dog in the evening might be good for your mental and physical health, so do you need a cleaner and a dog walker? You could save that money for you instead, save for a holiday.

the doggos must bring some joy; or are they just another chore? I am on my own also and my DCs are quite challenging. What brings me happiness is: a) my dog and cats b) good tv series. c) yoga (i’m not good but I am improving); d) making the effort to rekindle friendships and go places e) going to festivals etc. sometimes the daily drudge gets us down, I agree re HRt and also maybe it is worth a job switch if possible . We need to keep learning and stimulated I think.

I'd take a leaf out of Peggy Lee's book. I'm in my mid 70s and can, occasionally get overwhelmed with those things you're feeling.

But as Peggy said " is that all there is? If that's all there is my friend, then let's keeping dancing, bring on the booze, if that's all there is"

And again in the song Cabaret, the singer sings about life being here so enjoy it, don't ponder.

Joy in life can be found any where you look. Your dogs, they can bring so much joy. Every morning I smile, because our dog waits for me to get up, because the dog knows it will get a small treat from me.

You might not enjoy your work, but there is joy in knowing it keeps a roof over your head and food in your belly.

For me, a good book or a good football game can take me out of myself for a while.

And I sound like fucking Polyanna here, but small things really can make your day.

One upside of not having a high wage is being able to switch jobs and maintain your salary level!

What do you do for work, and could you do something more enjoyable?

I think this attitude their happiness is my priority and I would rather go without myself is a red flag in terms of mental health - both you and the dogs could be happy. I think you might benefit from asking the GP for advice.

Yes, I was wondering this. An antidepressant could really help you with motivation to make some positive changes to your life.