Status Updates From Man Down: Why Men Are Unhap...

A fantastic book for anyone wanting to better understand the midlife crisis, although much of what it explores is certainly not limited to the male counterparts. The fears, insecurities and relentless pursuit of an often unattainable version of success are perhaps more universal than we like to admit.

One message is becoming increasingly clear: we are all, in some way, victims of the modern corporate system. A system designed to extract the maximum from us, our creativity, energy and youth, while leaving little room to live in the present or make life truly meaningful, all in pursuit of some elusive and perhaps unattainable ideal of success and excellence.

Husband and I had our son 6 months ago, and I was lucky enough to have him working from home and be such an involved father. Like the Danish model to forest schooling, the Scandi model of shared parenting feels rather sensible (it reduces inequality). What kills us further is living in an individualistic world, where we are expected to pretend we’re coping rather than lean on a village to help raise the next gen.

I never thought a book about men could be relatable. I couldn’t agree more about the UK’s outdated approach to education, but also that sense of disappointment when the workplace turns out not to be the environment we were sold, even with top grades. At 37, how many people in my own circle are realising that the career, climbing the ladder perhaps aren’t all they were cracked up to be? Raw, wise, to the point.

Matt has a very English sense of humour, which I love. I completely agree with him thus far: nothing quite soul-sucks like the UK education system. Having endured this Victorian creation myself, I remember the endless memorising and the dreaded “Put your pens down. Time’s up.” Yet the brightest do not necessarily end up successful. Although, I remind the author that women suffered through this system too. 😉

This was on a list of one of my current book clubs in London and I decided to pick it up 📖📚 Throughout my reading journey I have always leaned towards supporting the sisterhood and focused a good portion of my attention on feminist ideology led authors but seeing my husband going through period of vulnerability, I was curious.