Live data from Hacker News

Ask HN: Getting old and boring – What can I do about it?

news.ycombinator.com

51–60 of 70 posts

Re: Ask HN: Getting old and boring – What can I do about it?

#51

I am 23, just getting started with the corporate/working world. The way you describe yourself sounds a bit like my Dad. He was a software engineer. So am I. I remember growing up and occasionally getting frustrated with his lack of interests and hobbies (past a certain point), especially when he started developing major chronic illnesses and we stopped going on as many weekend trips. I lost him 2 years ago. This comm…

Not OP but this is one of the best HN comments I've read. Thanks for posting it.

Re: Ask HN: Getting old and boring – What can I do about it?

#53
>> When I meet new people, I realize I don't have much to say because nobody cares about my work or my family or my books (nor should they, necessarily).

I recommend reading "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie.

The book won't remedy all of the problems you list, but it should help you to recognize the power which comes from getting people to talk about themselves -- which they love to do.

When you use these techniques you will be very surprised at how little speaking you actually need to do.

Re: Ask HN: Getting old and boring – What can I do about it?

#54
post #11

With kids of 3 and 7 I have to think that you have plenty to occupy you. Your kids school or extra-curricular activities will probably get you new acquaintances soon. (We are in touch still with some people we met through our son's school or school activities, and he is older than you are.) You could try volunteer activities I suppose. And let me also say that 33 is hardly even "getting middle aged".

> will probably get you new acquaintances soon ... 33 is hardly even "getting middle aged". Ha, yes, saying "old" is definitely being melodramatic. I suppose I am concerned that, given my current bland state, I will have a hard time creating and sustaining connections with the ample time I have left.

>> given my current bland state, I will have a hard time creating and sustaining connections with the ample time I have left.

Recognize that it takes effort to create and sustain connections.

It is difficult whether or not you are in a "bland state."

Do not assume that creating and sustaining connections is easy for others.

Re: Ask HN: Getting old and boring – What can I do about it?

#55
I say this with sincerity, not judgment: You (presumably) made a choice to start a family and be a homeowner. Why not embrace it?

You can always yearn for another life, but if you pursue it, that usually means giving up on family and and home time. Is that worth it in your heart?

I knew a few older men who focused on their careers and personal aspirations more than their families, and it didn't turn out well for the families. They found success and prestige outside the home, but also turned into lonely, somewhat broken men later in life. I also know a few men who decided, fuck it, I'm not single anymore, and there is no more "me"... it's the family life now. They dove headfirst into dad-dom and loved it for all its challenges. Nobody outside their family really cared, but so what? They were happier.

I'm not saying the family life is for everyone. I'm nearly 40, unmarried, no kids, no house, a lot of freedom. I spend my years exploring, working, learning random hobbies, traveling, going back to school, backpacking, etc. But frankly a lot of those are young people's activities, and I'm out of place everywhere I go. That's okay by me though, because it was my choice to live this life. I'm now in a long term relationship with someone with similar life desires. That might make us more outwardly focused than homebody couples and families, but they don't find us that interesting because they have their own lives. We also don't spend too much time thinking about their families and private lives.

It's just different after your twenties. People tend to settle down and become less adventurous.

Sure, there are people who manage to juggle work and family and climbing Everest over the weekend, but they're pretty rare and usually very intense, for better or worse. That doesn't sound like you.

It's your choice whether to have a midlife crisis (lol), but if you love your family, maybe just try to find some fun hobbies to do with them? Go camping. Try tabletop games (many are wonderful these days, not just like Monopoly and Chutes and Ladders, but hundreds of new excellent titles). Take them skiing or biking or rafting. Start crafting projects, learn to 3d print or blacksmith or crochet. Play some D&D. There are many things you can develop an interest in without giving up the life you chose. Just find things with a limited time (and time away) commitment if you want to keep the family close. There's still a lot you can do in 2-4 hours a week, especially together.

Re: Ask HN: Getting old and boring – What can I do about it?

#56

>> When I meet new people, I realize I don't have much to say because nobody cares about my work or my family or my books (nor should they, necessarily). I recommend reading "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. The book won't remedy all of the problems you list, but it should help you to recognize the power which comes from getting people to talk about themselves -- which they love to do. When…

This book changed my life for the better, and allowed me to form lasting relationships I otherwise wouldn't have had.

It's not mutually exclusive with developing personal hobbies and passions though. It's really cool when you meet someone who shares them because they also put in the time and effort to develop it on their own.

Both types of interactions are wonderful and they complement each other well, IMO. If you can get to know them deeper, it makes every interaction more worthwhile and engaging. If you also happen to share interests, it's easier to have fun together. Win-win!

Re: Ask HN: Getting old and boring – What can I do about it?

#57
post #50

Kinda same as you, pushing 40, wish I had clients instead of a boss (or both) and a social circle with more nerdy people (or students). I was able to get one young intern started on coding and it was the most fulfilling thing I did. He's mantaining the systems I left behind on the old company, and pretty excited about improving (he's like 20). More interestingly: I like running and also go the gym most days, but hone…

Doesn't working out give you more energy in the long run? It does for me but you need to be balanced and don't consistently overtrain.

Re: Ask HN: Getting old and boring – What can I do about it?

#58

I say this with sincerity, not judgment: You (presumably) made a choice to start a family and be a homeowner. Why not embrace it? You can always yearn for another life, but if you pursue it, that usually means giving up on family and and home time. Is that worth it in your heart? I knew a few older men who focused on their careers and personal aspirations more than their families, and it didn't turn out well for the…

39 isn't old haha. Maybe for the hostel circuit but not much else.

Re: Ask HN: Getting old and boring – What can I do about it?

#59
post #11

With kids of 3 and 7 I have to think that you have plenty to occupy you. Your kids school or extra-curricular activities will probably get you new acquaintances soon. (We are in touch still with some people we met through our son's school or school activities, and he is older than you are.) You could try volunteer activities I suppose. And let me also say that 33 is hardly even "getting middle aged".

And let me also say that 33 is hardly even "getting middle aged". Yeah, I totally also had a false mid-life crisis at around that age. Take it from me, you're YOUNG! Make the most of it while you still are!

I think people move on from the early/mid 20's vibe, aren't as interested in the glamour of going out, etc... and then all of a sudden they think "I'm old!"

It's definitely a different distinct stage, like a true young adulthood. Can last like 26-40 or so for some.

Re: Ask HN: Getting old and boring – What can I do about it?

#60
I'm in a similar position, but 10 years older. My oldest kid is 13. I think its possible to put too much emphasis on family. Yes, parents have an obligation and most love their kids and will want to spend time with them but it can absolutely go to far. Balance is necessary. Going too far is a suffocating, robotic way to live in my experience. I honestly feel like a machine, going here, doing this, day after day with no free will of my own.

The counter to this is having a life of your own outside the family. For me these are outdoor sports and adventures. Something that makes me feel truly alive. Every time I go I come back feeling like a better person and ready to face another round of the interminable monotony of family life. If you want to meet people and have something to talk about then I would suggest a hobby that involves skill or equipment. Road or mountain bike riding would be a good one.

I also have found that once my kids are about 10 they suddenly don't need or want me as much and are more interested in friends. I've been extremely dedicated to my family and did so many things with my kids, its a bit hard to see them growing up and separating but necessary and nice in it's own way of course.

Family can be great, and is a rewarding experience at times and of course and loving obligation. Sounds like you are happy but just need a little adventure in your life. Something that a relatively simple hobby would perfectly satisfy while detracting very little from your family life overall. Think about the big picture, kids will grow up, a few hours or even a whole day on the weekend for your hobby is no big deal.

Post reply on HN