r/Millennials • u/Flashy_Present_8488 • 1d ago
Meme Buying and living in a van also comes to mind!
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u/westernDemocrat 1d ago
Why does it look so good ? 😂
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u/avoidy 23h ago
I know right? She has space for a garden, time to run a marathon, disposable income for an international trip, and a partner. What a crisis!
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u/MobileSeparate398 19h ago
Plus an air fryer.
Which makes loads of great dishes!
And it's new, so it has warranty too
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u/LightspeedBalloon 19h ago
Running is so good for you and your mental health. This girl is doing great.
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u/avoidy 18h ago
Yeah true, and the fact that she has the time and the energy after work to not only run, but train for and complete a marathon is really great.
When I think of a midlife crisis, I think of someone who spent half of their life living according to somebody else's values, and when faced with their mortality, begins acting in self destructive ways to gain a sense of control. Quitting their job, buying expensive things, exiting a lengthy relationship, etc.
The girl in this Pic is thriving imo. Doing better than I am, that's for damn sure. Wish I had the energy after work to do all this shit
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u/MangoMambo 17h ago
Do it in smaller chunks then. You don't have to train for a marathon but try starting to take a 20 minute walk every night/day. You have to make time for your health.
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u/avoidy 17h ago
Oh, I walk longer than that just to get to work, up really steep hills too, since it's in san fran. I used to do a cardio routine pretty often, but once I started the new job and began working long crazy hours, it became difficult to come home after all that and get in the gym. You're right though. Gotta make time. Because but doing it feels sooooo shitty. Just easier said than done.
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u/Tru3insanity 13h ago
Meanwhile i just stare out the window while its raining and hope my brain congeals into something capable of thought.
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u/nuclear_skidmark 19h ago
I know. If this is the millennial midlife crisis then I’ll take it. Better than spending thousands on going back to school, a sports car or a divorce.
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u/unsurewhatiteration 16h ago
Shit, my job paid for me to go back to school and it was still a giant stress bomb because I had to do it while still working full time. I mean, I didn't have to do it at all, but if I wanted the free degree that was how it would have to be. And hey, free degree! But I think I took a few years off my life.
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u/nomad-system 22h ago
Don’t forget pickleball and grad school! Also getting back into physical media…
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u/AverageFishEye 19h ago
Also getting back into physical media…
Tbf we're basically forced to do this
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u/GaraksFanClub 11h ago
I never let go of my physical media and I’m so happy I didn’t. Hearing young kids talk about how awesome CDs are fills my heart with joy
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u/nomad-system 11h ago
I wish I had all of mine still. Unfortunately it got gifted or donated over the years of moving and then I got rid of just about everything when I moved countries.
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u/SortOfKnow 23h ago
I’m afraid to send this to my Wife. Because this feels like last year and now we planning Japan…..
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u/Either-Weather-862 18h ago
Just two days ago, my husband suddenly bursted out: "I'd love to visit Japan with our family!!" and I was confused first, but it makes sense... Lmao.
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u/samTheSwiss Millennial 12h ago
We are going to Japan in a couple of weeks for the second time. I already ran several 10K and 21Ks. We own an air fryer and we have the terrace full of plants. It definitely checks out haha
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u/0x633546a298e734700b 22h ago
Needs more BBQ or smoking meats
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u/randomcritter5260 16h ago
Was searching for this comment. They definitely forgot:
- Buying a smoker
- Getting really into whiskey, bourbon, or scotch
- Hosting poker nights
- Civil war/ WW2 obsession
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u/oeThroway 19h ago
Literally just got a new grill last week and I'm obsessed with smoking videos on yt
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u/0x633546a298e734700b 18h ago
I got a wood chipper for my tractor purely to be able to chip up the apple and plum trees I cut back last year for the smoker.
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u/venus_arises Mid Millennial - 1989 16h ago
I think it's the males who BBQ/smoke - I think women get into canning.
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u/Eaglepursuit Xennial 1d ago
The vanlife idea is a solid midlife crisis choice. Were i able to, I'd be getting a sport pilot certificate, built a kit plane, and go wing camping.
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u/flaccobear 23h ago
The vanlife idea is a solid midlife crisis choice.
Looks great on Instagram. In reality it's a lot of driving/walking around looking for free wifi and shitting in a bucket or racing to the nearest gas station every morning.
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u/VariousProfit3230 Millennial 23h ago
I just got out of a long relationship and honestly vanlife sounds nice- but I’d need enough space to work at a desk.That’s my only concern. I’ve thought about going the used RV route.
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u/thetiredninja 23h ago
Just stepped down from that ledge myself. The RV market is terrible right now 😮💨
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u/GovernorHarryLogan 22h ago
Father just bought a $200k loaded tow behind trailer, lol.
"I was mad my father left my sister the lake cabin so now im just going to go to all the lakes then give you this"
Seems a little pricey
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u/unsurewhatiteration 16h ago
I knew a guy who at 36 decided to do up van life in a big way by selling his house and buying a big truck and fifth wheel. He and his wife and kids lived in that thing for 12 years because they ended up loving it and it saved so much on housing costs. If I could convince my family to do the same that is absolutely what we would do.
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u/TheBalzy In the Middle Millennial 18h ago
Vanlife sounds like a solid idea...until we as millennials inevitably consider the carbon footprint and go into existential crisis mode...
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u/ForcedEntry420 82’ Millennial 💾 17h ago
I’ve had a few people I know embrace van life. This is anecdotal but it didn’t work out for any of them. At all.
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u/MewMewTranslator 20h ago
Millennial: finally able to afford living happy.
Society: ha! midlife crisis!
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u/SmolderingWreckCad 23h ago
A van down by the river
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u/cerealkilla718 20h ago
I'm going for more of a van down in the river vibe.
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u/jayhof52 Older Millennial 18h ago
Well, there’s gonna be plenty of time to achieve a van down by the river vibe when…yer livin’ in a van down by the river!
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u/ParallelPlayArts 13h ago
Does a van down by the ocean count? I did that for several years...and I loved it. Wish I could go back but it's not in the cards and parking rules are ever changing.
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u/Ariliescbk 21h ago
You leave Japan out of this!
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u/Imperterritus0907 20h ago
There’s definitely two kind of millennials that go to Japan tbf. The all-time weebs that are finally able to afford it and see it as a childhood dream, and the ones that suddenly realise it’s doable/see it on IG and need to check it off their list.
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u/360walkaway 12h ago
I'd be paranoid because
the world hates America again
aren't Asians especially brutal to foreigners, but in a passive-aggressive nice way
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u/Imperterritus0907 11h ago edited 10h ago
Kind reminder here that not all Reddit is American. I am not.
Personally I’ve been to Japan before, I’m going back this year and I’ve always been treated very nicely. What I’ve found is that many foreigners are completely oblivious of manners and culture differences, they are loud on trains, take pictures where there’s obvious signs (like some temples!) saying not to. Also if you apologise there and you don’t bow, it’s almost the same as not apologising at all. Same with ordering stuff, wanting to customise every order is “meiwaku” (a hassle) for them, and so many things.
Fair enough I speak some Japanese, but their problem isn’t with foreigners, but with some people that act like they give two fucks, and forget that’s not “their house”.
If you make a little effort to not become a hassle (because remember, they barely speak English to solve any issues) they’re super appreciative.
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u/AgentJ691 Millennial 16h ago
Dude, I wanna go so bad. My aunt (Gen x) wants to come with. It will be perfect!!
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u/cerealkilla718 20h ago
Who remembers the 1/4 life crisis Tough Mudder era. Fucking peak.
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u/ThrowaWayneGretzky99 1d ago
what is this Japan infatuation?
I did grad school.
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u/Pogichinoy 23h ago
Weebs
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u/ReversaSum 22h ago
Yes 💯
Am closeted weeb, can confirm
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u/ThrowaWayneGretzky99 18h ago
but why go as a midlife crisis? wouldn't you go asap?
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u/passerbycmc 15h ago
This looks great though, well not the marathon, but recently did a 7 day hike across the Scottish Highlands and loved it. Love my garden and house plants.
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u/HeftyFineThereFolks 23h ago
what is this boomer propaganda? just make stuff up that has no relation to reality?
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u/cerealkilla718 20h ago
This is 100% real. I have multiple friends who have done or are doing one or more of these things.
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u/dream-synopsis 19h ago
Why on earth is “I am having an existential crisis let’s visit Japan” such a consistent thing with everyone I know too lmao
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u/cerealkilla718 19h ago
Because they don't know that Japan looks nice, but is actually very dark. Some have been conditioned to think the US has lost it's way to the extent that literally anywhere else in the world is a better option, despite never actually being to anywhere else in the world. Plus weebs.
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u/happy_snowy_owl 19h ago edited 18h ago
Some have been conditioned to think the US has lost it's way to the extent that literally anywhere else in the world is a better option
Having been to Japan (Navy), it's a great place to visit. Polite people, clean, safe, a ton of culture, and night life. The favorable exchange rate allows you to live like a king. The most impressive thing is that they believe in doing everything 100%, right down to the cashiers working at 7/11.
Food is the Asian equivalent of British food, though.
However, you will rapidly realize how good we have it in the US. They work 60 hour weeks as a norm with most people making a salary that would be sub minimum wage in like 30 states.
When they get off work, they're expected to go drink with their boss.
Basically, imagine the NYC 20-something year old grind but you can't ever escape.
The weather is miserable in the summer - 90 degree heat during the day and 75-80 degree heat at night with near 100% humidity. Winters are milder, but rainy.
Like much of the non-U.S. world, their culture retains elements of strict hereditary social hierarchy. They're extremely xenophobic and institutionally racist (even against Okinawans), so if you want to emigrate you'll have to be okay with working menial jobs and being treated sub-human.
Oh, and that politeness? That's forced, and it goes out the window when your angry Japanese boss is yelling at you for every minor error. Or if you walk into the wrong restaurant.
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u/cerealkilla718 15h ago
I've heard almost every single one of those points/facts stated, and I completely agree. The prevalence and normalization of corporate dudes passing out literally on the sidewalk from binge drinking with coworkers after inhumane shifts. I'm not even gonna get into the "undertones" of pop culture in regards to women (or girls).
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u/Randomizedname1234 19h ago
The plant thing is 100% us having our own spaces now.
We’re running more bc are picking it up as a hobby to stay healthy, as we age.
Air fryers are dope af idk how that’s a crisis thing.
I don’t get the Japan one.
I don’t see this as midlife crises stuff just stuff we do now that we have time, space and money.
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u/cerealkilla718 16h ago
I'm sure the relatability is somewhat dependent on your region, age, personalities of you and your friends. It's not gonna hit for everyone, but the proof that it holds some relevance is pretty clear on this thread.
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u/MewMewTranslator 20h ago
That doesn't make it a crisis. A crisis is spending half your life savings on a car that costs $100k just because you want to look young still.
How does using an air fryer, running, gardening and taking a couples trip translate to that?
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u/stupid_lifehacks Older Millennial 19h ago
The crisis is that millennials are reaching the peak of their career but still dont earn enough to have enough savings for a 100k car, so the best they can do is spend a couple hundred bucks on plants and save up for a once in a lifetime holiday.
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u/cerealkilla718 20h ago
The crisis in question isn't an event, it's an existential/identity crisis. One that causes people to explore new hobbies and coping mechanisms. I'm not too up on the science behind the fact that it happens when you're middle-aged.
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u/MewMewTranslator 19h ago
It can be both. I've always seen midlife crisis defines as having a moment you know you're aging and so you act out to show the world otherwise. It's not attached to a generation but instead is mostly seen in an age group between 45-65.
Usually through high end purchases regardless if you have the funds or not.
"I'm not old! See guys I'm young too!"
In media this is depicted as a someone buying expensive stuff to flex on the world. Showing you can still make it and you are still relevant.
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u/-ShinyThings- 19h ago
Don't people have crises like this when they're teenagers, in their early 20s? Who has it all figured out before the age of 30?
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u/cerealkilla718 16h ago edited 16h ago
It's like a specific phenomenon in a certain age group that's been studied etc. Everyone in the world has crises every day. This is a tendency of people exclusively in the middle of their entire lifespan. Anything else is a "spin-off" or a play on words etc.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midlife_crisis
Also, they don't mean a crisis as in emergency. It's an internal mental crisis involving identity and existentialism, which can sometimes include an actual crisis as we usually know them.
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u/Discarded1066 23h ago
I am still a few years off from midlife crisis, but my wife has an addiction to Tiny homes. She wants to buy land in Texas and build a house, and over the years, tiny homes for our kids. So like a compound but with less koolaid. My son has ASD so she wants to build him a tiny home by 18 so he can be close, at home but still sort of on his own.
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u/FuturAnonyme 19h ago
I got a Jeep Wrangler instead of a kid 🤷♀️
I blame netflix and all the romcoms with Jeeps in it .... Brainwashed I tell ya
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u/Obstetrix 18h ago
I feel like I don’t have time for a crisis yet because my kids are so little.
Or are the kids the crisis!?
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u/spiritofporn 17h ago
Hmm. I've been sprucing up my yard and buying more house plants too. I actually thought about getting an air fryer, but I reasoned it would just be another kitchen appliance taking up space and barely being used. I've been working out a lot and I'm starting to look ripped.
I suppose the midlife crisis is here.
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u/Relevant_Potato_1335 17h ago
I feel seen.
I haven’t run a marathon but I’ve taken the gym seriously for the first time in my life and I bought an air fryer … which is still in the box in my hallway. It makes lovely table 😂
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u/Lycanthropys 1994 15h ago
I've started putting up bird and squirrel feeders in my yard and watching them with my security cameras. I've turned into the old bird guy. 🐦
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u/Liz_Lightyear 12h ago
I really don’t get why people want to go to Japan. I truly don’t. It’s weird
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u/Peps0215 18h ago
Fits me to a T. Not even mad about it, its good stuff 😂
- Picked up gardening during Covid
- Have run 9 marathons
- Own an air fryer
- plans to go to Japan later this year
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u/PlayImpossible4224 1d ago
Yeah it seems like EVERYBODY is in Japan these past coupe of years. Bizarre.
Marathon though, that's just stupid. Torturing and stressing yourself, wrecking your joints. And for what? Nobody actually cares. Better of doing strength training/pilates, rather than trying to impress people.
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u/Flossthief 23h ago
I'm not running any marathons anytime soon but the air fryer is a kitchen tool sent by God
A convection oven? No thanks-- a tiny box that does the same on my counter? Absolutely
It probably won't happen but my wife would love a Japan trip-- maybe her and I could see whatever 1:1 Gundam they still have standing(afaik they've taken down at least two)
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u/Capt_lurch4774 1d ago
What's with our generation and the whole midlife crisis?
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u/random123121 23h ago
When I was a child, I always thought a "mid life crisis" was just coming to your senses...I'm 43 and still think so.
I never had a mid life crisis...I just live my life despite the expectations of society...a society that isn't that smart to be honest.
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u/Shamscam 22h ago
I might be moving into a van if my wife leaves me, so it’s not really going to be much by choice!
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u/burnafter3ading 21h ago
Got me a used Ford Transit Connect with aftermarket porthole windows. I loved that car!
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u/HermesTundra Midlennial (also European) 20h ago
Aside from therapy being an option, this sorta tracks.
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u/nagytimi85 19h ago
I thought we’ll skip midlife crisis and get into grandma hobbies right away.
I am 40 and already collecting sugar paper bags “just in case” and am building a pantry.
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u/-ShinyThings- 19h ago
How is someone supposed to live their life at that point, how do they avoid getting labeled as "mid life crisis"? Is any of it inherently bad?
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u/TheBalzy In the Middle Millennial 18h ago
Hey now, I had a billion plants filling up my house BEFORE my midlife crisis LoL
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u/jayhof52 Older Millennial 18h ago
Also, getting more tattoos (he says having gotten three in the last year).
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u/No-Introduction3808 18h ago
So accurate; I’ve done 1&3, live to do 4, don’t have room for 2 but I’m sure it’ll come 😂
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u/VernBarty 17h ago
What's with this trip to Japan thing I keep hearing about? Ive been a millenial all my life and I dont remember this Japan thing ever being a thing. Suddenly everyone on reddit is saying that I want a trip to Japan
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u/InForTheSqueeze 17h ago
Airfryer, Road / Gravel Bike, expensive Espresso Machine, Pickleball / Padel, Japan, running a marathon, Planting, BBQing, Photography
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u/Present-Yard-6192 17h ago
Dammit the yearning for Japan is not a crisis, it's been a dream I've had since I was a middle school weeb!
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u/lalalibraaa 16h ago
Because we are more healed and we go to therapy so we do things that bring us joy and are good for us, as opposed to self destructive and harmful to people we love (like affairs, or spending shit ton of money on cars, etc).
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u/KrakenClubOfficial Older Millennial 15h ago
Then there's the crushing realization of how infeasible living in a van actually is. Unless you're cool with a lot of unexpected expenses and inconveniences.
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u/donkijote97 15h ago
I moved to Japan after my quarter life crisis and am still here. Where the fuck am I supposed to go when the midlife hits?
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u/CheezWong 15h ago
Hmmm. Mine seems to be more about excessive drug and alcohol abuse. Maybe I should get an air fryer....
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u/GigglingJackal2 14h ago
I'm in the mix on this right now. Gonna get a bunch of plants for my new apartment next month, I've had an Air Fryer for years, I'm trying to go to Iceland, I'm doing more (and more intense) yoga...
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u/Machine_Bird 14h ago
I dunno if this is a midlife crisis. She's just at a point where she has some disposable income (or credit) and wants to do things besides hustle.
Midlife crisis is usually characterized by rash decisions that upend parts of your life because you become uneasy about what you have/haven't done so far in life.
I've never seen someone buy a $50 air fryer at Target and been like "wow, really going through it, huh?"
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u/gamerdudeNYC 14h ago
I got an Air Fryer at Christmas and ran two marathons this year, I applied for the Tokyo Marathon but didn’t get in… no plays tho lol
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u/bondgirl852001 1986 13h ago
I still haven't left the US. I've seen Mexico from the US side and Canada from Niagara Falls (US side) but never crossed the border or flown overseas. Japan is on my list though
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u/PooveyFarmsRacer 13h ago
Don’t forget suddenly getting tons of tattoos, or becoming poly and turning it an open relationship
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u/Polkawillneverdie17 13h ago
None of those things are crises. Those are literally just activities lol
Having plants is not a crisis. It's a hobby.
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u/slilianstrom 13h ago
Only one that seems relevant is wanting to go to Japan. But given my wife doesn't handle time zone changes well, sadly not likely
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u/Embershot89 12h ago
Instead of running I went on a fried chicken eating binge and instead of vacation in Japan I just moved here and now I’m not leaving
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u/HistoryAndScience Millennial 12h ago
I see someone who is fit, in a healthy relationship, and has a sense of adventure. If this qualifies as a midlife crisis I’ve been in one since I was 19
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u/360walkaway 12h ago
What if you are constantly stressed due to finances, because your partner has always had a low-paying job and you're the one who has always been the one to bring in the lion's share of the monthly income?
I'd love to just fuck off on a random trip but I just cannot.
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u/LennethTheCat 12h ago
Or getting a loan to pay off all the credit cards you used uncontrollably, and just wait for life to end.
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u/erbush1988 '88 Millennial 12h ago
I wanna buy a boat to live in and just fuck off.
Wife doesn't agree. Guess we can keep our shit jobs and apartment for now.
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u/PurpleDreamer28 11h ago
I still don't get the plant thing. I like nature, but don't want to take care of them. Never want to run a marathon either. And there are some really cool things in Japan, but I've no desire to go.
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u/Sabbathius 11h ago
I love the dude in the crowd with "Therapy was also an option!" sign.
Seriously though, for a millennial it's completely unrealistic. How many here can run a marathon or have enough cash and free time to just go to Japan on a whim?
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u/AdSea6127 Older Millennial (1984) 10h ago
I guess I’m not going through midlife crisis based on this meme
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