Last year, we launched our MEA Midlife Pathfinder Quiz which has proven so popular that NPR’s “Morning Edition” recently profiled MEA and our quiz. Have you taken it yet? I’ve taken it a few times and have lately been showing up more as the Sage which, I guess, is well-suited for my current career choice.
I recently asked our team to compile the data on the quiz results which is very revealing about midlife. First of all, more than three-quarters of the 50,000+ people who’ve taken the quiz are between 45-74 with 55-64 being the largest cohort for a particular age demographic. The three biggest transitions (of nearly a dozen) that people are going through are career shift or retirement, health or physical challenge, and the complexities of the “sandwich generation,” taking care of parents while launching kids and dealing with being an “empty nester.”
When it comes to the 8 different archetypes, here’s a summary as well as a list of which of them shows up the most with our quiz participants. I guess it’s not surprising that the Seeker predominates, given this is the type of person who particularly flocks to a place like MEA. How do you compare with those who’ve already taken the quiz?
1. The Seeker: Restless and searching for meaning, adventure, or reinvention.
2. The Protector: Grounded and principled, preserving what’s essential yet ready to evolve.
3. The Phoenix: Rebuilding after a major life upheaval, emerging stronger.
4. The Sage: Wise and reflective, ready to mentor or deepen personal growth.
5. The Heartkeeper: Compassionate and anchored in love, now tending to your own heart.
6. The Impact Maker: Purposeful and driven, making a difference where it matters most.
7. The Stormwalker: Forged by strife and driven to grow, moving forward with grit and grace.
8. The Lone Wolf: Fiercely independent, craving connection without sacrificing freedom.
-Chip