Mid Life Puppy Steps.

Knowing what my career path was from the time I was little proved to be a great relief. Of course there was something else that I would have loved to do but being academically challenged, that was not a possibility. But many of my peers were undecided and clueless as to where their future was headed. My future seemed all laid out. My yellow brick road was paved and shinning bright.
So I went to the right college, passed the right papers and through some pushing and shoving, forced my way into the right industry. 
Fast forward 12 years and here I stand. Conflicted and utterly confused.
I enjoy the work I do. I can honestly say my employer is better then most, my colleagues are without the usual politics and the job itself provides satisfaction.
Then why am I now standing at a crossroad, contemplating a total and drastic change in my career?
Is this what is known as a mid life crisis?

The dictionary defines a mid life crisis as 'an emotional crisis of identity and self-confidence that can occur in early middle age.' 

But I am a 30 something single girl still living with mom. Some might say I have no worries, no responsibilities, a life free to be lived as I see fit. Perhaps there is some truth in that assumption. So why this sudden change of heart?
I always thought a mid life crisis was reserved for those in their 40s or 50s. I stand corrected. Because apparently, it can happen to anyone of any age and strike at any unexpected moment.
I asked a man in his 60s when he thought a mid life crisis could occur. His answer “Anywhere between the age of 20 to 90”.
But I am fairly certain that almost everyone of any age has at one point or the other come to rethink their choices in life, regardless of what it is. As you grow older interests change. So how do you get yourself out of this funk?

 Suggestions to consider (but at your own discretion):
1. Perform a charitable act and pay it forward
2. Give an animal a good home
3. If you can afford it, take a year off and travel the world
4. Get a tattoo or a piercing or color your hair something outrageous
5. Pick up a brand new hobby. Something you would never have considered doing. e.g pole dancing, roller skating, mountain climbing, etc...
6. Once a week, have dinner with a different person
7. Consider a complete change of career that revolves around a subject you are passionate about

I do not have a concrete answer for everyone. But this is the advice I am giving myself. Life is too short to spend every minute thinking about the next. Each generation seems to be aging faster then the one before. Relight that youthful fire you let die out. Take a risk, just because you want to. Don't let fear hold you back. It's okay to make a change and it's never too late to start, It's only too late when it's too late.
My newly paved yellow brick road starts here, with this post. If this is my mid life crisis, I am grabbing it by the tail and taking my first puppy step...