We don’t have the opportunity to get into a time machine, find ourselves from the past and warn that it’s still not worth taking out a mortgage in 2020. But we have the experience of older generations – it might not be a bad idea to listen to it. We’ve compiled a list of the most common regrets of those over 50.
Didn’t try to find a job they liked
Most people over 50 regret the years spent in boring and unloved work. This is the conclusion reached by researchers from the German insurance company Allianz, who surveyed 3,000 respondents in 2016. Almost half of them said that if they had the opportunity to start over, they would take more risks: find their dream job or start their own business.
Worked too much
“I wish I had submitted so few reports and filled out so few Excel spreadsheets in my life,” is something that hardly anyone would say in their old age. But what you will really regret is the Saturdays spent in the office and the vacations spent on overtime work. “All of our patients deeply regretted turning their lives into a career race instead of watching their children grow up,” a palliative care nurse at one of the American clinics wrote in her blog.
Divorced
Good news for our female readers, and not so good news for our readers. According to a 2016 survey by the law firm Avvo, 39% of men regret their divorce—10% more than women. Men are also twice as likely as women to blame themselves for a broken marriage.
Didn’t take care of your teeth
Any dentist will confirm that your own tooth, even with ten fillings, is better than an implant, even a high-quality and expensive one. Timely treatment, good toothpaste and dental floss will save your teeth and will cost several times less than an artificial smile.
Tried to live up to parents’ expectations
Parents, of course, wish us well and will not advise us anything bad, but excessive pressure from a father and mother can seriously ruin the life of their beloved child. 35% of Allianz survey participants admitted that they wanted to change their profession, but were afraid to upset their parents. And yes, now they regret it.
They did not forgive the insults
On the one hand, the ability to remember all the mistakes and tactlessness helps us stay away from those who are not worth trusting. On the other hand, excessive touchiness and attention to minor shortcomings deprive us of very profitable acquaintances, and sometimes even old connections. So the advice to “be simpler” with all its ambiguity works quite effectively.
Spent money on things
A new phone to replace a well-functioning but old one, a fifteenth pair of white sneakers, an expensive outfit for a friend’s wedding – you don’t really need all these things. What you really need is experiences. 56% of those surveyed by Allianz said that if they had a chance to fix something in their lives, they would travel more, go to concerts of their favorite musicians, to the cinema, theaters and restaurants instead of spending money on clothes and expensive devices.
Missed chances
Skipping a bar with friends in favor of a TV show, working overtime instead of attending your child’s graduation – these are all things you risk regretting as the years go by. There is definitely value in focusing on your private life and personal experiences.
Didn’t take advantage of their youth
All we have are the opportunities we have here and now. Don’t put off English lessons, sports, hikes, meetings and other activities – in the future you will have even less free time and energy.