Changing careers in your 40’s, once seen as a sign of instability, is now often a mark of discernment and clarity.

The World Economic Forum says most people will have five to seven different career paths during their working lives. Changing direction in your 40’s isn’t unusual anymore, but rather reflects how people stay relevant, engaged and adaptable.

People in their 40’s are looking back at the decisions they made in their 20’s and 30’s reflecting on how work that used to feel meaningful has become mechanical. Their performance might remain steady, but their engagement has begun to fade. You can ignore the discomfort for a while, until it becomes harder to justify staying where you are.

By this point you’ve gathered enough data about what suits you and what doesn’t, and you’re clearer on how you want to work, who you want to work with, and where your contribution carries weight.

Adam Grant points out that identity foreclosure can trap people in outdated versions of themselves. The commitment to what once felt right starts to limit growth and eventually the structure that gave you confidence can become the thing that gets in the way.

Shifting direction in your 40’s requires clarity. That means asking different questions. Which parts of your current role still challenge you? Which ones drain you? What have you stopped caring about, even if you’re still good at it!? Why is changing careers important to you?

Coaching supports this process by creating space to reflect and creates structure to their thoughts. People need the space to hear themselves think, without defending or performing.

Making a change in your 40’s can reflect maturity. Staying in a role that doesn’t suit one’s skills over time can cost you. It can sap your energy, confidence and motivation, and lead to lower performance and slower growth. In the long run, it hurts your credibility, delays career progress, and reduces job satisfaction. The longer the misfit lasts, the harder it is to change direction.

Deciding to redirect your energy can be a smart and brave step forward.