MID-LIFE CRISIS AND THE IMPORTANCE

OF NEW SKILLS FOR MID-LEVEL IT

PROFESSIONALS
ABSTRACT
This case flyer and the accompanying article1 enable a discussion on the rapidly rising phenomenon
of mid-life crisis amongst mid-level IT Professionals, in particular, and employees across various
levels and industries, in general. It offers a platform to deliberate on the role of HR in managing
the re-skill requirements of employees. Though mid-life crisis, as a phenomenon has been a
long researched area, off late it has captured the interest of companies and individuals alike. Is
mid-life crisis a necessary evil for every working professional? Can it be avoided? Is it possible to
device a mechanism to cope up with mid-life crisis? Research in the area of mid-life crisis had
revealed that individuals generally experienced this phase between the ages of 40 and 60. However,
recent research figures indicate a significant change in this pattern with individuals experiencing
this crisis as early as their mid-30s. Do men and women experience mid-life crisis at the same
age/stage of their lives? Do personal events have a bearing on when an individual will experience
mid-life crisis?

Pedagogical Objectives

To understand the connotations and inevitabilities of mid-life crisis

To discuss how to manage mid-life crisis and the role of HR

Akanksha Prasad, ITs Mid-life Crisis: Tech Up a New Skill or Leave, The Economic Times, November 11th 2013
www.etcases.com