Apparently age 47.2 is when you are at your most miserable

[cattanoogacats]

But after this things get better.
Link

For people who have seen the dreaded age of 47 - is this true for you?

Personal interest disclaimer: I'm 46, but 47 very soon. Up until now my most miserable years were in my early to mid 20s. But maybe there's worse to come....?

Weirdly I’m now 47.2. I wouldn’t say I’m miserable. Well not much more than usual. My life is ok, married, two teenagers, stay at home mum for the last few years so not much chance of a career or earning potential. All healthy although one teen is struggling with a couple of issues. Definitely feeling a bit miserable about that. Could probably do with a job now, extra income would be nice as well as having some more purpose in life, don’t really know where my life is heading. We’re not on the breadline, we do own our own house so not as badly off as some but definitely feeling the pinch and being really careful with money. On the whole though I’d say we’re probably doing ok and have lots to be grateful for.

Can't get more miserable than I am now. I don't want to get there if so!

I'm 47 and have definitely had worse years. Overall I'm pretty happy but I can see why it's a tough time for many...age is starting to show, kids are teenagers but haven't flown yet so are still demanding but don't give much love and affection in return, tiredness is a constant presence, parents are aging and also demanding...it does feel like an in-betweeny time of life.

I had burnout at 47.3 so this really does reflect my life experience.

I was 47 during the main phase of the pandemic, wasn't a barrel of slights but I'm not a miserable person, life is good even with the restrictions

No, 40s were good.

I'm almost there and I'm very happy and contented (touch wood).

However that's balanced by an extremely tough year or two, on several levels, several years ago.

Also my children are well into adulthood so I'm not exhausted/working/managing children.

Life ebbs and flows.

No happy then happy now. I was miserable at secondary school

I think the thing for me was that 47 was the year that healthwise things started to go south. Perimenopause kicked in, weight crept up, cholesterol went up. Staying healthy takes considerably more effort when you are in your late 40's.

In terms of other things, money, friendships, marriage etc. 47 wasn't any different to any other year.

Nope. I was very happy. I also am now.
Link says: "but traditionally the idea is that the pressures and anxieties of work and family increase throughout your adult years until you hit your mid-40s, and then they begin to abate." That doesn't apply to me. I'm not an anxious person. I've enjoyed my 40's a great deal. No issues at all.

Think it depends on the people around you.

More elderly needy parents, unhappy kids, not going to be happy whatever the age.

Realising that perhaps you are not going to win a novel prize or whatever your career dream was etc.

But life can be how you approach things.

True for me. Had an awful time for a good few years.

It's true. As a 48 year old dad, it is miserable. I don't have my own life. Everything is geared towards my kids. I've no time to myself. I spend most of my time serving wife and children. No happy job. I'm lucky if I get I get sleep.