Kids, Careers & Hot Flashes: Life in Four Seasons
- atsgatlin
- May 6
- 3 min read
After watching the Netflix show Four Seasons, I started reflecting on the idea that there are four distinct seasons in life. (It's really good - you should watch it!)
Season One: Youth
The first season is your youth—stretching from childhood through your college years and early twenties. It's a time of growth, exploration, and self-discovery. Many people experience their first love during this phase, begin their careers, and start imagining what kind of life they want to build. It's the season of beginnings.
Season Two: Building
The second season starts as you settle into adulthood. Your career gains momentum—maybe you switch jobs a few times, buy your first home, or start a family. You’re likely partnered by now, and life gets busy. Really, really busy.As the kids grow, your responsibilities grow, too. You're juggling daycare drop-offs, gymnastics classes, hockey practices, leotards, and hockey sticks—not to mention paying for it all. Mortgages, car payments, and trying to squeeze in a vacation or two become part of the rhythm. Maybe you're not saving as much as you hoped, or your 401(k) contributions aren’t quite what you planned. But still, you’re happy. Fulfilled, even, in a chaotic kind of way.
Season Three: Rediscovery
This is where I am now. The kids are starting to leave the nest, and life is slowing down—just enough to catch my breath. My partner and I are rediscovering each other, learning how to be “us” again without all the noise.It’s not quite retirement—there’s still work to be done—but there’s more room to focus on ourselves. It’s a time to dream again, maybe to pivot careers or explore new passions.
But it can also feel disorienting. Some people reach this season and realize their identity was tied up in raising kids, or a career that didn’t pan out the way they’d hoped—maybe even lost during or after COVID. This season forces reflection.Did we do what we wanted to do? Did we travel enough? Do we have regrets?Still, I’m finding it to be a beautiful time of discovery—for myself and my relationship.
I've seen friends navigate divorce, start over, and even find love again. That’s hard for me to imagine, because from the very beginning, my husband and I said we’d grow old together—and that’s still our intention. That promise feels more meaningful now, especially when life throws its everyday frustrations our way.There’s pride, too. Watching my children step into their own second season, making their way—sometimes fumbling, but learning—that’s incredibly rewarding.
Season Four: Reflection and Freedom
I know people in this fourth season—retired or semi-retired, enjoying life at a different pace. There’s a freedom in this stage, though the body doesn’t always cooperate the way it used to. Even so, there’s comfort in knowing you’ve done what you needed to do. You can reflect, enjoy, and—if you’re able—start something new. The time is finally yours.
As I settle into my third season, I’m embracing travel, deeper connections with friends and family, and the joy of spending time with my adult children. I’m grateful for the space to ask, What do I really want now? Who do I want to be? And I’m especially grateful for the time with my husband—the shared quiet moments, the laughter, the rediscovery.
If you’re in your third season, maybe 50 and seasoned too, I hope you find this same sense of renewal. I hope you can appreciate what’s behind you—and feel excited about what’s still to come.
We were inspired to recreate this dish after visiting our daughter in Ireland, where she’s studying abroad. Along with soaking up the beauty of her adventure, we discovered our new pub favorite—creamy, comforting seafood chowder served with warm Irish brown bread. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you up on a rainy day. Try it at home and raise a glass with an Irish toast: Sláinte!
Comments