Rethinking your career path? Why that unsettled feeling might be a good sign

[Updated: 24 April 2025]

If you’re waking up dreading the day ahead, feeling drained by work that once felt fine, or quietly wondering, “Is this it?” – you might think you’re in the middle of a career crisis.

But is it really a crisis?

Not necessarily. What you’re feeling could be a healthy and necessary re-evaluation.

Many of the mid-career professionals I work with describe feeling off-track – not in full-blown meltdown, but flat, unmotivated, or quietly miserable. They often worry that there’s something wrong with them for feeling this way. But there’s not. It’s more common than you’d think – and it can be a turning point for something much better.

Why we need to reframe ‘career crisis’

Calling it a crisis can make things feel more overwhelming than they need to be. The word suggests danger, disaster, a situation that’s spiralling out of control.

In reality, what you’re experiencing might be a signal – a moment of awareness that something in your working life no longer fits. That signal can be uncomfortable, but it’s not inherently bad. In fact, it’s often the first step toward positive change.

I’ve seen this pattern play out time and again with my clients. With the right support and a clear process, what starts as a difficult period becomes the foundation for something more aligned, fulfilling and sustainable. 

What helps people move from stuck to clear

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution – but there are common ingredients that help people navigate this phase with clarity and confidence:

Awareness of unhelpful mindsets
Many people carry hidden beliefs about work – such as “I have to stay in this job because I’m lucky to have it” or “It’s too late to change.” Naming these assumptions is often the first breakthrough.

Making room for discomfort
Fear is a normal part of change. The goal isn’t to eliminate it, but to create space for it – using mindfulness and reflection techniques that allow you to move forward even when doubt shows up.

Clarifying your values
When you reconnect with what really matters to you – not just at work, but in life – it becomes easier to make decisions. Values offer a compass when the way forward feels unclear.

Defining your ideal work conditions
What does good look like now? What kind of environment supports you to thrive? Getting clear on these preferences makes it easier to recognise the right opportunities when they come.

Reassessing strengths and energy
It’s not just about what you can do – it’s about what lights you up. Identifying the tasks and ways of working that energise you helps you spot better-fit roles or career paths.

Taking a transitional approach
Change doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Many clients start with a sideways move – same skills, new sector – or reduce hours to explore something new on the side. These small shifts create momentum without feeling overwhelming.

Is it time to reset your career?

If any of this sounds familiar, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I help mid-career professionals re-evaluate their work and realign their careers with who they are now – without blowing everything up.

If you’re curious about what a reset could look like for you, feel free to reach out.