Do you feel that you have a purpose in life?

[Afternooninthepark]

For sometime I feel as though I am just drifting in life with no real sense of purpose or reason.
I’m 46 and never really had any major ambition (which I deeply regret now as I realise now that I would have loved to have had a career).
Until a year ago I had been a SAHM for 10 years. I now work part time for a disabled lady and next year will also help look after my mum. She has Alzheimer’s and dad needs a couple of days to himself so I’ve offered to help (sibling works full-time so cant help).
It’s too late to retrain for anything, I don’t really have the funds and most of my time is taken up looking after everyone else.
AIBU to ask if this is just normal life and maybe I’m having a bit of a mid life crisis? Do any of you feel that you have a sense of purpose? If you do what is it that gives you that feeling of purpose and contentment?

Yes I do. I’m a nurse, I’ve always worked in very very busy environments and now I’m in a very senior role within a massive Trust.

I truly believe my purpose in life is to make a difference to to a number of patients and also to other nurses. May sound strange but I believe that that is what I am here for, and all my paths in life have led me to do this.

It's not too late to retrain. At 46 you'll likely be working for another 20 years! But maybe a change of job would help. Sounds like you're doing too much for others and not feeling appreciated which is understandable. To answer your question I'm pretty up and down as to 'my purpose' in life but often feel like I dont really have one other than looking after my kids.

Mine is to have a positive effect on the people I know and love. To be good company for my mum and dad, kind and supportive to my husband, a good mum to my son, and to enjoy myself enough that I'm happy, so as not to be a negative person in general.

I've never had a career or any ambition to reach for the stars. I only ever wanted husband, house and kids - I know that Mumsnet in general doesn't approve of women like me but I'm being truthful and genuine in my reply. I think the purpose of the human race, and any other lifeform for that matter us to breed. So I've done my bit And yes, I am happy with my choice. It's not for everyone and I'm sorry you are feeling that you have lost your sense of purpose.

I have just come out of hospital and one of the student nurses caring for me was in her mid 40's so it's never too late to start some careers. I guess it depends what you think you would like to do. The NHS would be a good place to look.

No, I don't feel that my life has a purpose. I have been successful in my career and vocation but now turn around and think, "so what?".

I am 39 and sometimes think if I had had children I'd feel different.

I have tried to have a sense of purpose - purpose(s) in fact, but my world seems to be inhabited by people who enjoy telling women with kids that anything outside that is "not for them". I wish i lived somewhere else!

Raising and caring for my dc is my purpose, as cheesy as that sounds! One of them is severely disabled so I know that I will care for him as long as I physically can.

Nope
I serve no purpose whatsoever.

The only thing that brings me comfort is knowing I can end it all once the DC have grown up and moved out.

Haven't read the thread, but there are some great free or low-cost online courses now. For example, I've worked in software development and some of the courses are good enough to help someone get an entry-level position. Try edX or the free courses of the Open University. If you sign up to Pluralsight you can get a couple of weeks free, enough to do some useful courses.

There is no purpose to life. We just exist. Like all animals, fish and insects.
We just fit somewhere in this world and should try to do the things that make us happy without harming others.
You can seek knowledge and learn about aspects of our world and lives.
I’m a big fan of free online courses (open university and Coursera) podcasts, books and just generally learning.
It doesn’t have to be for a career, just for yourself.

To make this world a better place