FIFTY: What if the midlife crisis was actually a midlife chrysalis?

A collection of 50 sharp, heartfelt, and often hilarious reflections from Khush Purewal on ambition, love, loss, parenting, identity, and the fine art of not taking yourself too seriously.

About the Book

Fifty blends personal stories with professional insight to explore what five decades have taught Khush Purewal about life's most important lessons. As a chartered accountant and former City partner, Purewal brings a unique perspective that bridges the corporate world with everyday wisdom.

From corporate boardrooms to playground meltdowns, from imposter syndrome to unexpected grace, these essays ask the big questions and answer them with warmth, wit, and just the right amount of irreverence.

"Like being mentored over coffee by someone who's seen it all and still laughs. Wise, funny, and reassuringly real."

— Manohar Singh

Meet the Author


Khush Purewal

Khush Purewal is a chartered accountant and former City partner whose career spans decades in the financial world. Beyond his professional achievements, he's a lifelong observer of life's paradoxes and contradictions.

Drawing from both his corporate experience and personal journey, Purewal offers a unique lens on the challenges and triumphs that come with reaching the half-century mark.

What You'll Find Inside

1

Personal Reflections

Intimate stories about family, relationships, and the unexpected turns life takes when you're busy making other plans.

2

Professional Insights

Lessons learned from decades in corporate boardrooms, navigating office politics, and finding meaning in work beyond the paycheck.

3

Life Philosophy

Thoughtful explorations of identity, purpose, and the art of not taking yourself too seriously—especially when everyone else does.

4

Humor & Wisdom

Sharp observations that find the funny in the profound and the profound in the funny, delivered with warmth and wit.

The Midlife Chrysalis

What if the midlife crisis was actually a midlife chrysalis? This central question of the book invites readers to reframe how we think about aging and transformation.

Rather than viewing middle age as a period of decline or desperate grasping at youth, Purewal suggests it might be a powerful metamorphosis—a time when accumulated wisdom and experience can lead to our most authentic and meaningful phase of life.

Perfect For Readers Who...

Are approaching or navigating midlife

Find comfort and companionship in knowing you're not alone in questioning everything at this stage of life.

Enjoy thoughtful personal essays

Appreciate writing that blends humor with depth and finds meaning in everyday moments.

Seek wisdom without pretension

Value insights delivered with authenticity rather than from a position of unearned authority.

From Boardrooms to Playgrounds


One of the book's strengths is how it seamlessly moves between professional and personal spheres, finding universal truths that apply equally in both domains.

Whether discussing imposter syndrome in the executive suite or navigating a child's playground meltdown, Purewal draws unexpected connections that illuminate how our various roles inform and enrich each other.

Reader Testimonials

"Purewal has a gift for finding profound truths in ordinary moments. I found myself nodding along one minute and laughing out loud the next."

— Simon H., Finance Professional

"These essays are like conversations with a wise friend who never preaches but always makes you think. I'm buying copies for everyone in my life approaching 50."

—Mary B., Healthcare Professional

"Refreshingly honest about the challenges of midlife while remaining optimistic about its possibilities. A rare combination of depth and accessibility."

— Navjit S., Entrepreneur

Book Details


Order Your Copy Today

Individual Orders

Please email Khush directly at khush.purewal@outlook.com to order yours.