When my daughter was 2 years old, she stated that she would become a doctor. At first I have chalked it to the enthusiasm of toddler, but as the years passed, her certainty never staggered. At the age of 7 she is still as sure as always. Looking at her trust in her future is both heart -warming and, if I am honest, a bit staggering, because I have never had that kind of clarity. Although some people seem to know their way from the start, I did not fully understand what I wanted to do with my life until I was almost 40.
For years I thought there was something wrong with me because I had no clear, relentless passion. But I started to see that asking, evolving and running are not signs of failure; They are part of growth. In fact, investigating our career in the midlife is not only normal – it is a healthy and expected part of the development. The idea that we must have selected everything in our 30s (or even our 40s and after) is a myth that ignores how we evolve as people over time. So if you feel insecure about what comes next, consider it an opportunity instead of a crisis.
Why it is normal to question your path in the midlife
Development interviews is a natural time for re -evaluation. Psychologist Erik Erikson identified this stage as one of “generativeness versus stagnation”, where people try to create meaningful contributions in their work, families and communities. This is a time when many people start asking questions such as: “Is what I do to make a difference?” Or “Do I spend my time in a way that is really important to me?” These questions are not only existential reflections – they are signposts for change and growth.
In addition to Erikson, theoretics for adults such as Robert Kegan and Daniel Levinson have investigated how our internal meaningful systems evolve over time. Kegan’s theory of adult development suggests that we go through different stages of self -authority, which shift from external definitions of success (such as social expectations or family approval) to a more internalized, self -driven feeling of goal. Similarly, Levinson’s work describes the ‘seasons of life’ Midlife as a period of transition in which individuals recreate their career, relationships and priorities, often lead to transforming change.
Many of us made career choices in our early 1920s – at a time when we had much less life experience. The work that once felt like the right fit is perhaps no longer in line with who we are today. Perhaps we have followed a career path by practical, social expectations or a limited understanding of our own strengths. But as we collect more knowledge, experiences and wisdom, it makes sense that our perspectives shift. Instead of seeing these questions as a problem, we must recognize it as a signal that we are evolving.
External factors can also play a role in encouraging career reflection. Changes in life, such as aging, taking care of aging parents, health challenges or just getting a new perspective after years in staff can all lead to a re -evaluation of priorities. The rise of external activities, the gig economy and changing industry -requirements mean that career paths are less linear today than for earlier generations. What used to be considered a ‘job for life’, has given way to a more dynamic, adaptable approach to the work.
What to do if you are looking for clarity
If you question your career path, here are some ways to explore your next steps with curiosity and intention:
Visit your values again
I will stay Shout this from the rooftops! Interrogate what is really important to you in this phase of life. Do you long for more creativity, impact, autonomy or balance? Often, when dissatisfaction comes in, it is because there is a wrong alignment between our values and our daily work. Take the time to think about what is the most important thing for you – not what was important when you first started your career.
Note what you give energy
Pay attention to the tasks or conversations that make you feel busy and alive. Which aspects of your current or earlier roles have brought you joy? Sometimes the instructions for a fulfilling career change are already present in your daily life, wait to be noticed. Journing about your best work experiences can help to identify patterns and strengths on which you may want to build.
Rent a coach in
This is not a sales pitch. I suggest this because I see first -hand how transformational coaching can be. A competent coach can help you discover patterns, challenge limiting beliefs and create a vision for your next chapter that is tailored to who you are. Coaching is not about giving answers – it is about helping you to ask better questions, to get clarity and take action in a way that feels authentic for you. If you are stuck, work with a coach can be an invaluable investment in your future.
Experiment with small shifts
You do not have to record your job at night to explore a new direction. Consider small experiments – volunteering, a class, freelancing or exploring side projects that match your interests. With these explorations with a lower risk you can test new possibilities without the pressure of an immediate, all-in commitment.
Talk to people who inspire you
Contact those who do work that you intrigue. Informative interviews, network interviews or simply reconnect with people whose career you admire you can offer insight and inspiration. Learning from the trips of others can help clarify what resonates with you and what is worth exploring further.
Embrace the uncertainty
Not knowing what the next thing is, can be uncomfortable, but it is also a space where new possibilities come to the fore. Many people rush to find an answer, simply to alleviate the discomfort of uncertainty, but giving yourself time to explore can lead to more satisfactory choices in the long term. Trust that the clarity will come through exploration and action, not just reflecting.
The advantage of not all sorting out
Instead of seeing midlife career as a crisis, you consider it a pivot point -a chance to tune your work to the person you have become. The most satisfying careers are not that we decide and never visit again, but those who evolve with us over time. Research shows that people who create deliberate career changes in midlife often experience more satisfaction and involvement in their work because they are in accordance with their authentic self.
So if you notice that you ask: “What do I want to be when I grow up?” At 36, 44, 51 or afterwards – handling. You are right on time. The best careers are not about having all the answers, but about staying open for the journey, embracing change and allowing yourself to grow into new possibilities. Welcome these instead of fearing the question. It is a sign that you pay attention to what really matters – and that is a powerful thing.
#completely #normal #living