Are You Having a Mid-Career Crisis?
If you’re in your 40s or 50s and find yourself questioning your career choices, experiencing a sense of stagnation, or feeling unfulfilled despite your achievements, you might be in the midst of a mid-career crisis.
This is a common experience for many professionals, yet it is often misunderstood or dismissed as simply being a phase. However, by understanding the dynamics behind a mid-career crisis you can turn it into a pivotal moment for self-discovery, personal growth and career development.
What is a Mid-Career Crisis?
A mid-career crisis is typically characterised by a period of introspection, self-doubt, and uncertainty about one’s professional path. It often emerges when individuals reach a stage in their career where they have accumulated significant experience and success but begin to feel disillusioned or restless. Most of us will start work in our early 20’s, and have a career that lasts f between 40-50 years. Therefore our 40s are the mid point of our career.
However, we often don’t behave that way – in our 20s and 30s we rush to progress, get promoted, get paid more and to get to the top. It’s only when we get to our 40s and realise that we have as many years work ahead of us as we behind us that many people start to reflect on ‘is this really it’ or ‘what’s next’? This realisation can manifest in various forms, including a desire for change, a questioning of past decisions, or even a fear of stagnation.
Manfred Kets de Vries, a well known psychoanalyst and management scholar, has extensively explored the concept of a mid-career crisis. He describes it as a critical point where professionals grapple with the existential questions of “Who am I?” and “What is the meaning of my work?” According to Kets de Vries, this crisis often stems from the realisation that the goals and aspirations that once motivated an individual may no longer hold the same significance.
Kets de Vries suggests that a mid-career crisis is not merely about job dissatisfaction but is deeply rooted in the psychological development of an individual. As people progress in their careers, they often build their identities around their professional roles. However, over time, the pursuit of success, status, and financial rewards may start to feel hollow if they are not aligned with your deeper values and desires.
As a developmental trauma practitioner, I believe that part of the reason we start to struggle is that the beliefs and motivators that have helped us progress in our careers may not actually be aligned with who we truly are. As children we tend to adopt the beliefs and values of our caregivers, and to display the behaviours that will elicit love and approval from them. We carry these adaptive behaviours and beliefs into adulthood where they influence our choice of career and attitudes to work.
I have found that as we get older, we begin to feel the dissonance between how we are living our lives and what is truly important to us. We begin to reflect on our life’s purpose and question whether our current career path is fulfilling our true potential. This introspection can lead to a sense of loss or confusion, as we realise that the things that once brought us satisfaction are no longer as meaningful. I believe that this crisis is a natural part of the human life cycle and can be an opportunity for personal growth and transformation.
Signs You Might Be Experiencing a Mid-Career Crisis
Recognising the signs of a mid-career crisis is the first step towards addressing it. Here are some common indicators:
Feeling Stuck or Trapped: You might feel as though your career has plateaued, and there is little room for growth or advancement. This can lead to frustration and a sense of being trapped in your current role, particularly if you are a major contributor to your family’s finances.
Loss of Motivation: Tasks that once excited you may now feel mundane or uninteresting. You may find it difficult to muster the enthusiasm you once had for your work.
Questioning Your Career Path: You might start to wonder if you chose the right career or if there is something else you should be doing with your life.
Desire for Change: A strong urge to do something different, whether that means changing careers, starting a new business, or pursuing a passion project, may begin to surface.
Emotional Distress: Feelings of anxiety, depression, or even anger can accompany a mid-career crisis as you grapple with these existential questions.
Burnout: The dissonance between what is required of you in your role and who you truly are may result in feelings of exhaustion and burnout.
Navigating a Mid-Career Crisis
If these descriptions resonate with you, it is important to approach this period with self-compassion, patience and openness to change. Now is not the time to rush into making a decision or taking action. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this challenging time:
Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your values, goals, purpose and what truly matters to you. This might involve reading, journaling, seeking feedback from trusted colleagues or friends, or working with a coach or therapist who can help you explore these questions in depth.
Seek Support: Don’t go through this alone. Talk to mentors, colleagues, or career counsellors who can offer guidance and support. Sharing your experiences with others who have gone through similar transitions can also be reassuring. A retreat can be a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with others who are having similar experiences.
Reframe the Crisis as an Opportunity: Rather than viewing this period as a crisis, consider it a turning point. Kets de Vries argues that this stage of life can be an opportunity for “identity reformation,” where you can reassess and realign your career with your deeper aspirations.
Prioritise Self-Care: Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial during this period. Make sure to prioritise self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. A healthy mind and body will better equip you to navigate through this challenging time.
Explore New Possibilities: If you feel stuck, it might be time to explore new opportunities. This could involve further education, training, or even a career change. The key is to remain open to new possibilities and not be afraid to take risks.
Consider a Sabbatical or Career Break: If possible, taking a sabbatical or career break can give you the time and space to gain perspective. Stepping away from work can help you recharge and return with a clearer vision of what you want to achieve.
Embrace Lifelong Learning: Continuously updating your skills and knowledge can help you stay engaged and relevant in your field. This can also provide a sense of progress and achievement that might be lacking. On the other hand, you may want to study something completely different to help you explore or prepare for an alternative career.
Conclusion
A mid-career crisis can be a disorienting and challenging experience, but it also offers a unique opportunity for growth and transformation. By embracing this period of introspection and making deliberate choices about your future, you can emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
Manfred Kets de Vries’ work reminds us that the journey through a mid-career crisis is not just about finding a new job or making more money. It’s about rediscovering who you are, what you want out of life, and how you can create a career that aligns with your true self. This process may be difficult, but it can ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful professional life.
If you are experiencing a mid-career crisis, remember that you are not alone. Many, including myself, have walked this path before and emerged stronger on the other side. With the right mindset and support, you can turn this challenging time into an opportunity for profound personal and professional growth.
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