When I was thirty-five years old I had been a FAA air traffic control supervisor for over four years. I was bored with this job and one morning I saw this cartoon in the local newspaper:
Six months later, I resigned from my position. Forty years afterward, at the age of seventy-five, I composed an email to my two eldest grandchildren as they prepared to enter the workforce. The subject of the message was “Paid Jobs I Have Done.”
In April 2025, now approaching the age of eighty, and still above ground, I have chosen to transfer that email into the “Deep Dive” platform for preservation and reflection. The audio is 12 minutes long:
In the late 1970s I read Gail Sheehy’s book, “Passages: Predictable Crises of Adult Life”. It was published in 1976, is a seminal work that explores the stages and transitions of adult life. Sheehy identifies common “passages”—predictable crises and turning points—that adults experience as they age. Drawing from interviews and psychological research, she offers insights into how individuals can navigate these stages for personal growth.
Overview of Life Stages in
Passages
- The Trying 20s: A period of exploration where individuals leave the safety of home to try on various roles and relationships in search of identity and purpose.
- The Catch 30s: A time when illusions are shaken, prompting individuals to make, break, or deepen life commitments, often leading to significant life choices.
- The Forlorn 40s: Characterized by a reassessment of dreams and goals, this stage may involve a midlife crisis but also offers opportunities for self-discovery.
- The Refreshed (or Resigned) 50s: A phase where letting go of old roles can lead to a renewal of purpose, or alternatively, resignation if changes are resisted.
Notable Quotes from
Passages
- “It is never too late to make another passage.”
- “The work of adult life is not easy.”
- “Times of crisis, of disruption or constructive change, are not only predictable but desirable.”
These quotes encapsulate Sheehy’s perspective that life’s challenges are opportunities for growth and transformation. What was true over fifty year ago, applies today.