An increase in entrepreneurs just out of school are driving down the age of a midlife crisis, now affecting many aged in their thirties instead of later in life.

Leading Business Coach Mike Irving said technology is enabling youth to start their own business but by the time they reach 30 they’re often exhausted and questioning their success.

“I’m seeing a growing number of thirty year olds that have spent the past decade working 90 hour weeks, achieving great results in business yet questioning what life is all about,” said Mr Irving.

“In the past a midlife crisis was a 50 year old feeling trapped in suburbia so they’d buy a Harley, change their hair or have an affair but often stick with the same career till retirement,” he said.

“Nowadays pressure and long hours can trigger a midlife crisis in a 30 year old business owner who has often achieved a lot in a relatively short period of time.”

“Instead of the affair or the fast motorbike their early midlife crisis might force them to question everything leading to feelings of frustration and even depression.”

“If they are smart, they will create more family time, further study towards a second career, or take up a healthy habit like cycling or running.”

“Young entrepreneurs today are full of ambition wanting to follow in the footsteps of the 20 something year old founders of Google (Sergey Brin & Larry Page), Apple (Steve Jobs & Steve Wozniak), Facebook (Mark Zuckerberg) and Microsoft (Bill Gates & Paul Allen), but the stress of that ambition could trigger a meltdown.”

Mike Irving is no stranger to an early midlife crisis as he endured one just before he turned 30 after running his own business from the age of 21.

“In front of staff I was a strong leader but behind closed doors I felt burnt out and dissatisfied with my success.”

“These are common emotions felt by entrepreneurs but rarely spoken about in business circles because no one wants to admit their business isn’t doing well or appear weak because they’re struggling to manage their success.”

“Yet if they did they’d realise they weren’t alone and more likely to overcome their crisis quicker and reduce their chances of spiraling into depression.”

Mr Irving said there are five actions business owners can choose to do to reduce their chances of an EARLY midlife crisis:

1.     Breathe : It seems simple enough but most people take shallow breaths from their chest which can activate the fight, flight, faint or freeze mechanism. We need to learn to breathe naturally from deep below in our diaphragm.

2.     Choice : Acknowledge there are choices available to you. People often feel trapped or overwhelmed because they feel they have no choice but to take a certain course of action. Realise youalways have choice in every moment.

3.     Observe : Be an observer of yourself and build awareness. Notice your thoughts, emotions and actions as they give great information to make decisions with.

4.     Health : Choose to include exercise in your daily or weekly routine as it will boost energy and mood levels.

5.     Sunshine : Get outside in the sun and create some vitamin D. You’ll feel more energized and connected the more you do this.

“I suspect an early midlife crisis is partly behind the rising number of career changes people have with Generation Y estimated to have ten in their working life.”

About Mike Irving

Mike Irving is a recruiter, business owner and leadership performance coach. He offers unique insights into HR and recruitment processes and runs communication accelerator courses. For more information visit  www.advancedbusinessabilities.com.au