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Original poster

46 and bored. What's your new adventure?

152 replies

WalkingSense · 14/03/2017 09:24

I just keep on hearing about people that are busy and overworked. Not me. I am bored. A 12 yo son, with the usual problems, but doing fine overall. I work freelance, and it's going well at the moment. An okay-ish relationship with dp. Health ok. I loved my twenties, there was always a new adventure to embark on and so much I wanted! Now I don't seem to want much anymore. I wrote a book 2 years ago, and that gave an amazing sense of achievement. I went on an 6 months course to be a better speaker (1 day a month) and that was great for my social life, and gave me a great sense of achievement. Now I can't think of anything I would like to do next? What do you do? What's your big adventure? What have you started learning after 40?

OP posts:
GraceGildee · 15/03/2017 13:10

I've discovered the local music scene in our nearest big city. Music made by middle aged people with tons of enthusiasm, fantastic small gigs and local radio shows. I've made new friends and got involved with a local record label. I've always been massively into music and love finding new stuff.

fulloffunreally · 15/03/2017 13:21

@Barbaraof Seville

That book by Cheryl Strayed is one absolutely amazing read!

Pupsiecola · 15/03/2017 15:56

Possum what is the Mexico Canada walk? Is that similar to the one in the Reese Witherspoon movie?

Gin, how cool!

Pupsiecola · 15/03/2017 15:57

Soz, just saw about the Pacific Crest link. That's the one.

bignamechangeroonie · 15/03/2017 16:03

Also place marking

oliviaoatcake · 15/03/2017 16:27

Great thread OP. Ive recently set up another company and Ive also focussed on improving my appearance through fashion, make-up, beauty, diet, exercise and cosmetic surgery

I also travel go on holiday a lot more and read for pleasure rather than learning. Oh, and I started dating again Wink

monkeytree · 15/03/2017 16:46

Fantastic thread, I am also forty something, sahm to two dc's one at school, one at pre-school.
You mentioned writing - I'm just in the process of writing a book and I am creating a website for something I believe in, so currently working on that. I have also lost weight but still trying to lose some as recklessly signed up for a mud run for charity in July
Think I might do some voluntary work in the future just to get out and meet people as I have become quite insular with the writing and I could do with a wider circle of friends - everyone seems so busy these days!
Ten years ago, dh took a three month sabbatical and we toured around Europe in our tent for the whole three months, just wherever the road took us really with our then 2.5 year old dc. It was interesting and challenging and I would love to do something like that again. But yes, I dread the thought of finishing my projects and getting that what next feeling, I've never had much direction and writing my book/website is my biggest achievement (along with my dc's and my degree I suppose). I don't mind doing charity work but I think its got to be meaningful and like others have said I need to need to get something out of it even if its just socialising as I've always been prone to put others first. I also hate housework and I'm amazed that some people can wrap themselves up in it. I'm going to watch this thread with interest. I feel relieved that others get that what next feeling too, most people seem to be too wrapped up in life to even ask the question.

fulloffunreally · 15/03/2017 16:47

I am going to do the Camino de Santiago (alone) in stages of about a week each. Will take a long time but what the heck. Reading the forums about it, it sounds like a great adventure.

And it is only 1000k lol.

PossumInAPearTree · 15/03/2017 17:04

Yes, Pacific crest trail. 2660 miles through California, Oregon and Washington state.

Yes it's the same walk as the Reese Whetherspoon film. It was actually a book by a bloke called Keith Fossett called The Last Englishman which got me wanting to do it, much better book than the Cheryl Strayad book.

helpimitchy · 15/03/2017 17:41

I have started shopping at a Sainsbury's in a different area.

PhilODox · 15/03/2017 17:52

Grin go helpimitchy!
Yeah- that's about my level of commitment too, because between ft work and high needs children, and a chronically ill DH, there's no time for anything else.

Brighteyes27 · 15/03/2017 19:04

Another with an empty list 51 two kids similar ages to yours OP. I take our dog on nice long walks and enjoy nice food and nice wine.

DH restarted an old hobby recently I would like to do something and have a more exciting life on a weekly basis. I work part time and waste a lot of time on mumsnet playing Ruzzle word game and on FB. Cheesed off with domestic drudgery but unmotivated and lacking in inspiration.

PossumInAPearTree · 15/03/2017 19:18

barbara. Just seen one of your links is The Last Englishman, read it. Great book.

Agerbilatemycardigan · 15/03/2017 19:45

I'm 53 this year and am saving up for a trip to Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. Another thing on my bucket list is to sing in public and to finish the book that I'm writing. Would also like to set up my own up cycling business.

Kendrasienna · 15/03/2017 20:20

I became an air hostess. Love travel but needed to earn too.

nobodysbabynow · 15/03/2017 20:52

I'm 46 this year, and in the past 5 years I've done a Masters, started yoga and running and done a couple of long distance walks. I'm looking for inspiration on this thread, thanks op!

topcat2014 · 15/03/2017 21:02

I feel the same. I have a well paying job, DD(10), house in nice area etc.

Problem is - I am underworked - and struggle to fill the day. That sounds like a first world problem - but is actually quite stressful.

No-one is going to 'fess up to that - as you could easily be downsized. I try to find constructive new projects at work to do.

At home - well, I am a charity trustee and school governor - but sometimes it feels like I have chosen more 'admin' work like my day job.

Where is the fun/adventure. I don't feel old enough yet to have a midlife crisis (although I can feel one brewing).

At 3am - what is there to look forward to?

The thing is, I don't want to do any more studying - I did some extra exams a few years ago (and was proud to finish them) but never wish to do any more.

Whilst Theresa May was worrying about brexit, I was buying toilet rolls for work on my way in. I may be the finance director, but I was reliably informed by my staff that I was an honorary girl when I joined - so these things came with the job actually don't mind the Tesco trips

bunnylove99 · 15/03/2017 21:08

Hi. I went back to do a masters many years after my first degree. I loved doing it and was delighted to make a much better effort of essays/assignments than I had i first time around. Maturity must help! I hope you find something you enjoy. Things I'd love to take up include painting, golf, patchwork quilting, church group and creative writing. I don't have time though as working FT and kids have lots of clubs and DH works long hours... enjoy your time whilst you have it!

rightsofwomen · 15/03/2017 21:08

I'm on candy crush level 1908. Does that count as a life achievement?

OhMrBadger · 15/03/2017 21:26

Learning to drive. Yup, I'm early 40s and can't drive. I'm about to sit my test and I NEVER thought I'd ever be anywhere near ready to even try.

Wigeon · 15/03/2017 21:29

Volunteering: so many options out there, from just helping in a charity shop, to school governor, charity trustee, mentor, Home Start volunteer, breastfeeding peer supporter, etc etc etc.

Couch to 5k

My big challenge this year is that we are taking part in a week long Tudor recreation in the summer, and you have to make and wear historically accurate clothes. So I'm sewing smocks (underwear), coifs (hats), kirtles (dresses), aprons, a doublet, pourpoint and hose for a family of four (some of those are male and some are female clothes), plus kitting us out with other stuff like Tudor shoes, belt, hats, basket, wooden plates, cups, making simple bags etc etc. With very little proper sewing experience, and making all the patterns from scratch to fit the specific wearers of the garments. Definitely quite an adventure!

Twinchaos1 · 15/03/2017 22:03

I am in my early forties, in my late 30's we moved to Latin America for two years. The kids went to primary school and we all learned Spanish. We have been back for two years, bought a grown up house etc but I am really bored. We are planning on going away again most likely to the USA for a few years and I am really hoping it comes off. Otherwise I really need to look at what to add into my life here.

StorminaBcup · 15/03/2017 22:05

@rightsofwomen - I hope so. The biggest achievement of this year so far for me is nearly completing Angry Birds Grin

MargoChanning · 15/03/2017 22:05

Placemarking on this very inspiring thread!

Littlefiendsusan · 15/03/2017 22:12

Turning 45 this year, had a short but exciting career nursing in London before DC's and since then been the one keeping the home fires burning.
This is all well and good for most of the time but that feeling of 'Am I making the most of my brief flash on this planet?' does keeping rearing its head.
Hoping to find some insight and inspiration on here.