How my little cry for help opened up a meaningful conversation on purpose and curiosity

A few days ago, I shared something on LinkedIn that was more of a murmur than a megaphone. A quiet post, sparked by an early morning and a slow afternoon. Not really a cry for help. Just a nod to that familiar midlife flicker — the sense of being under-stimulated, not overwhelmed. A subtle itch in the brain. A longing for something more engaging, more alive.

The post included a short poem I scribbled out one restless afternoon. A few lines that wouldn’t leave me alone:

I don’t want to be busy I want stimulation I often feel like I’m in a simulation A passenger in my own vessel

To my surprise, these words struck a chord. People in meetings have brought it up, I've been sent DMs, taken phone calls. More than 10,000 people saw the post. Dozens of comments followed. Not the usual ‘great post!’ fluff, but heartfelt, vulnerable reflections. Stories from people who, like me, were still sharp, still in the game — but quietly wondering, what now?

Some were navigating big life changes: career pivots, caring for elderly parents, building businesses while battling burnout. Others were simply tired of ticking boxes. Tired of flicking between browser tabs — both literally and mentally — trying to shake off that nagging sense of meaning drift.

Nicola wrote:

“There’s so much noise, demand, stress… but there’s a struggle to keep my own identity amongst the noise… in the down time, it’s about how do I keep relevant and present for me.”

Sarah said:

“Since leaving the world of law 4 years ago, I’m still not really sure what my meaning and purpose is.”

Dan, poignantly, added:

“Suddenly at a loose end and pondering what to do next.”

It made me realise something: We’re not short of things to do. We’re short of things that matter. We’re not overwhelmed by work — we’re underwhelmed by impact. Not burned out, but flickering. And in that flicker, a question lives: Am I doing what I’m here to do?

The Myth of Busyness

We live in a culture that treats being busy as proof of value. Our calendars are full. Our inboxes overflowing. Our brains, constantly buffering. But busy isn’t the same as stimulated. And it’s definitely not the same as fulfilled.

Being busy can feel like moving. But stimulation? That’s when the mind moves. That’s when you feel lit up. Challenged. Curious. Connected. And it’s that kind of energy — not just effort — that makes us feel alive.

So What Now?

I’m not here to prescribe answers. I don’t have a 7-step plan to unlock your inner purpose. But I do have a few thoughts from the conversations that followed that post:

Name it. Out loud. There’s something powerful in just saying, “I feel under-stimulated.” It cuts through the guilt of feeling ungrateful or the shame of feeling restless. You can love your work and still want something more from it. These are not opposing truths.

Find your people. The comment section became a mini support group. A place where CEOs, coaches, creatives, carers, and clinicians admitted they were feeling the same. That’s a start. We need more rooms (virtual or otherwise) where we can talk about this stuff — without being told to meditate or journal our way out of it.

Create, don’t just consume. Writing that poem? It took a few minutes. It wasn’t for LinkedIn, or a client, or even an audience. It was for me. But something shifted in writing it down. If you’re in that headspace, try making something. A note, a voice memo, a doodle, a playlist. Creation is stimulation. Even in small doses.

Let curiosity lead. Several people who responded talked about rediscovering travel, art, volunteering, side hustles — not as grand career changes, but as mini provocations to the self. Try something new not to be productive, but to be surprised. Follow the hum.

What Next for Coach Class?

I’ve been wondering if this could be the start of a podcast new series. I’d love to record some conversations with people who are in this space — the midlife muddle, the meaning dip, the quiet quest for stimulation beyond the to-do list.

If that’s you — or someone you know — let’s talk.

You don’t need a polished story or a ten-point plan. Just honesty and a bit of headroom. We can record it with coffee, or wine, or both.

And if podcasts aren’t your thing, just hit reply to this newsletter. Tell me how you’re navigating the in-between. I might not have answers, but I do have ears.

Because sometimes, being heard is the beginning of being whole.

Until next time, Dom ✈️ Coach Class #midlife #reflection #leadership #coachclass #meaningatwork