A growing number of accomplished professionals in their late 30s and 40s are reporting a sense of professional stagnation, a phenomenon which experts describe as “mid-career malaise.”
- +Job crafting is less risky than drastic career pivots- Expert
Despite reaching senior levels of expertise, many workers find themselves feeling “flat” and uncertain about their future trajectory.
Despite reaching senior levels of expertise, many workers find themselves feeling “flat” and uncertain about their future trajectory.
Andy Molinsky, a US-based professor and expert in organisational behaviour, highlighted in an interview by Forbes that this phase of life brings unique pressures that younger employees rarely face.
According to Molinsky, the root of the problem often lies in the natural conclusion of long-term goals. “They’ve outgrown the ambition that got them there,” he explained. “The goals that drove them for 15 years have been met, or quietly abandoned, and nothing has replaced them.”
He noted that while career uncertainty is expected in one’s twenties, it becomes a structural crisis for those in their mid-forties. “Meanwhile, they have a mortgage, a lifestyle calibrated to their salary, and deep expertise in something they aren’t sure they want to keep doing,” he added.
When professionals encounter this wall, there is often a temptation to make a radical, life-altering change. However, Molinsky warns against the narrative of the professional, say like a banker who walks away from his profession to become a baker.
While such stories are popular in the media, they are rarely practical.
“The answer is usually more targeted than people expect,” he stated, suggesting that drastic career pivots are often unnecessary and risky.
Instead of resigning, experts suggest that the most effective solution is “job crafting”, which is the process of proactively altering the tasks and relationships within a current position.
“Before you conclude the job is the problem, ask honestly whether you’ve tried changing it from the inside,” he advised.
He suggests that professionals who reshape their existing roles report significantly higher levels of engagement without needing to change their employer or job title.
For those who still feel stuck after attempting to improve their current situation, the recommendation is to engage in low-risk exploration. “Run experiments on the side while you’re still employed,” he suggested. “The clarity comes from doing, not deliberating. Then pick a direction and start moving. That’s usually enough to get unstuck.”
