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Why the late-30s are a man's misery years
Last updated at 21:07pm on 15.08.07Some might say that all they have to worry about is getting to work on time and the onset of a little middle-aged spread.
But men in their late-30s and early-40s are the least content of all of us, it seems.
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Men are most miserable in their late 30s
Whether they are mourning the passing of their prime or struggling to cope with the demands of a job and young family, those aged 35-44 invariably hit a mid-life crisis when their happiness level plunges lower than at any other age, according to a study for the Government.
It makes them the least satisfied members of society, scoring well below teenagers, the elderly - and women of all ages.
Researchers found that it takes men until they reach the age of 65 to start enjoying life as much as they did in their late-teens and early-20s.
More than 1,600 people were asked to score their wellbeing on a scale of one to ten in the study, part of the British Market Research Bureau survey of Britons' attitudes towards themselves,
The overall average satisfaction level for both sexes was 7.3.
Most men rated their carefree teenage years between the age of 16-24 as one if their happiest periods, with an average score of 7.55 out of ten.
But halfway through their careers, satisfaction levels dipped to a low of 6.8, only rising again to nearly 7.8 once they had crested retirement age.
The report found that women are less buoyant in their teens than men, rating their wellbeing at 7.3 out of ten.
Women said their worst years were between the age of 25 and 34, when most are coping with young children, but their wellbeing rose steadily as they got older, reaching hit a peak satisfaction level of 7.65 when over the age of 65.
Researchers found that most people rated their time at universityas the best years of their life, closely followed by their retirement years.
The biggest difference between the sexes was in the contentment of those not working, with women far happier than men to stay at home not seeking work.
Overall, 74 per cent of the UK population reported that they feel positive about themselves.
But women are more likely to fret, with almost half admitting that they worry a lot, compared to less than a third of men.
Reader views (8)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
Interesting that a man happiest time is when he doesn't have a job, either because he is a teen or he retired. also interesting that having kids makes you miserable.
must be because you feel trapped in that job that after a while becomes a routine don't matter how fun you thought it was going to be forever. and you can't just quit because you have the bills and your family that depend on you and if you don't provide you go to jail. after the kids are gone and you get released from your job, welcome happiness again, just like when you were a teen, no kids, no job.
- Canoro, Tucson, AZ
As another late 30's, I find the wife, the house payment, the lack of sex, the boring job, & the lack of anything fun accumulate for a depressing experience. Add some YouTube videos and fun dance music from my 20's and Im ready lay down on the highway. I too, long for my youth.
<sigh>
- Josh, Houston, TX
Well, one would think that since I am 38, divorced and struggling with a huge child support payment I would be ready to lay down in front of a lorry, but I am happy, content and looking forward to new things in my life. I wonder if attitude has a lot to do with it?
- Michael Roberts, Portland, OR USA
This article rings true for me. As I hit 35 or so I'm just not happy and I long for my teenage years.
- Nick, New York, USA
We are miserable in our 30's and 40's because we are married and our wives make us suffer. We're only happy again until we're 65 because thats when we realize we're almost dead.
- Ben Dover, Arlington, VA
Well considering I'm 39 and miserable, looks like it will only get better from here!
- Anon, NH USA
I'm 42 and life gets better everyday! Butch up, have a beer and get back to work!
- Mike White, Texas
Let's be honest here, we're just miserable gits who aspire to Victor Meldrew.
- Pa Roddy, London
