FACING CAREER CRISIS: REFLECTIONS AND STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH PROFESSIONAL MID-LIFE

It has become increasingly common for people to seek help in facing career crises. About a month ago, I started working with a new client who is currently experiencing this phase in their life. He is a tenured professor in an engineering course at a respected university, who has always truly believed he had a dream career. He survived the doctoral program, coped with the challenges of dealing with technological advancements in his profession, and managed the stress of seeking tenure and promotion. He has a great family and a good quality of life. However, despite doing what he loves and feeling secure, he began to develop a suffocating feeling at the prospect of continuing to do more of the same, week after week, year after year. That’s when he realized he was entering an inexplicable depressive process – facing a career crisis.

When he came to me, he quickly realized he wasn’t alone in this situation. By sharing his difficulties, I made a point to tell not only my own story but also many others like it, of exhaustion and regret amidst what seemed to be professional success, of people I had already assisted.

Perhaps you’ve also heard similar stories from colleagues, or maybe you’re going through this yourself right now. Recent research confirms that midlife is generally the most challenging period of life. Studies show that personal satisfaction follows a U-shaped curve, reaching its lowest point around age 40 before rebounding as we age.

Yes! Believe it or not, professional dissatisfaction during midlife is a common phenomenon, but its reasons are not fully understood. Reduced options, the feeling of inevitability of regret, and the tyranny of projects successively completed and replaced are some of the factors contributing to this career crisis.

I confess that since I started working with my first client, I’ve turned to philosophy for insights on how to better deal with this issue. Although midlife is rarely approached this way, in philosophy, I learned that both ancient and modern philosophers offer tools to reflect on our careers and the attitudes we adopt toward them, helping us discern whether our discomfort in midlife is a sign that we need to change what we do or how we do it, or if it is possible to thrive even by staying where we are.

One of the aspects that I now share with my clients, which I learned categorically from philosophy, is its approach to regret regarding the past. Not surprisingly, before publishing this article, I made a point of publishing a previous one titled “Midlife Crisis and Professional Weariness,” in order to share with you the proposal that it is necessary to understand that as we age, we realize that some possibilities disappear, options are limited, and the decisions we made in the past shape our present boundaries. This awareness that there is a life we will never live and the pain of having lost it are often felt during midlife. In the same sense, I see in the eyes of my clients today that one of their biggest difficulties lies in their ability to accept what we cannot change. When we look back on our lives, it is common to imagine the paths we didn’t take and feel a loss, even when things are going relatively well.

“Do not demand that things happen as you wish, but wish that they happen as they do happen, and you will prosper.” Epictetus

Conversely, as a cognitive behavioral developer, I always encourage my clients to question their underlying beliefs and values. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over all these years, it’s that the career crisis might be a call to reassess our passion and motivation at work. I do this by urging them to answer questions we never ask ourselves, such as: Are you really aligned with your values? Are you seeking meaning in your career or just going with the flow? This is because we’ve lost the habit of questioning our intentions and purposes, and this can help us identify whether it’s time to seek new professional horizons or if we should rediscover the importance and beauty of what we already do.

Furthermore, it’s important to reinforce that the entire cognitive behavioral process reminds us of the importance of living in the present. Midlife is a time when we can get stuck in the traps of the past or worry excessively about the future. However, focusing on the here and now, on daily work and the small joys we find, can help us find meaning and satisfaction, regardless of the career stage we’re in, something that is often neglected at this stage of life.

Facing a career crisis can be a significant challenge, but there are professionals who offer a reflective approach to help us deal with this situation. Whether by questioning our values, accepting what cannot be changed, or finding meaning in the present, these reflections can guide us in the search for answers and solutions. Now, the most important aspect of a good process is to understand that the more we explore self-awareness regarding our career crisis, the more we’ll discover that there are no definitive answers. However, the process of reflection and the search for meaning are inherently valuable and can help us face this challenging phase of life. With that said, I hope these reflections can be helpful in facing a career crisis, and from here on, I will seek to guide you in finding the best way to deal with it.

Midlife Crisis: A Proven Reality

Living what appears to be a successful life in a dream career may seem ideal for many. However, it is common that, at some point in one’s professional life, especially during midlife, a feeling of suffocation and dissatisfaction arises. This midlife professional crisis is a phenomenon faced by many individuals, regardless of their field of work. This article explores the nature of this crisis, its possible causes, and how philosophy can offer insights and strategies to deal with it. Recent research has confirmed that midlife is a challenging period in many people’s lives. Studies show that personal satisfaction follows a U-shaped curve, reaching its peak in youth, declining during the 40s, and gradually recovering as we age. This curve is observed in different cultures and affects men and women, even considering variables such as parenthood.

The satisfaction gap experienced between the ages of 20 and 45 is comparable to the impact of events such as dismissal or divorce. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, professional dissatisfaction during midlife also follows a U-shaped curve. Studies show that, on average, professional satisfaction reaches its lowest point around age 39. Psychoanalyst Elliot Jaques, who coined the term “midlife crisis,” referred not only to extramarital affairs but also to dramatic changes in the creative lives of renowned artists who felt unfulfilled by their previous works.

The Reasons Behind the Midlife Professional Crisis

Although the reasons for the midlife professional crisis may vary from person to person, some common causes can be identified:

1. Reduced options: During youth, many career options are available, but over time, choices may become limited, leading to a sense of stagnation and lack of new challenges.
2. Inevitability of regret: As we age, it is natural to reflect on career choices made in the past and question if we took the right path. Regret may arise, especially when expectations do not match the current reality.
3. Tyranny of endlessly repeating projects: In many professions, especially those involving similar projects or tasks over time, a feeling of monotony and lack of purpose may arise, contributing to the professional crisis.

The main common characteristics of this crisis typically are:

• Dissatisfaction and disillusionment: Many people in midlife begin to feel increasing dissatisfaction with their careers. They feel stuck, bored, or unmotivated with the work they are doing. What once seemed meaningful and rewarding may lose its appeal.
• Questioning and reflection: During midlife, it is common to question past career choices. People may wonder if they are on the right path, if they have achieved their goals, if they are fulfilling their maximum potential, or if there is something more meaningful they could be doing.
• Desire for change: Many people in midlife feel a deep desire to change careers. They may seek new opportunities, explore previously unrealized interests, or seek a new sense of purpose in their work. The sense of urgency to find something more fulfilling can be intense at this stage.
• Internal Conflict: During the midlife professional crisis, it’s common to experience internal conflict. People may feel torn between the security and stability of their current career and the desire to pursue a passion or seek a new challenge. Making decisions can be difficult as it involves evaluating the pros and cons of different options.
• Concerns About Aging and the Future: Midlife is a time when many people begin to reflect on aging and their professional future. Concerns about financial security, retirement, and the ability to reinvent oneself professionally may arise.
• Search for Meaning and Purpose: During this crisis, many people yearn to find work that has deeper meaning. They may wish to contribute to something greater, have a positive impact on society, or find a purpose more aligned with their personal values.
• Self-assessment and Reevaluation: Midlife is a time when people tend to assess their skills, talents, and achievements. They may reflect on what they have accomplished so far in their careers and feel pressured to achieve certain goals before it’s too late.

How to Deal With the Professional Crisis

Seeking a specialist to face a career crisis is crucial; after all, it can be challenging, but there are some approaches that can help you reflect on and deal with this situation. Here are some tips that may be helpful:

1. Self-assessment: Take time to reflect on your feelings and evaluate your current career. Ask yourself what is causing this crisis and what your main concerns and dissatisfactions are. Identifying the problems is the first step in finding solutions.
2. Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or trusted colleagues about your feelings and concerns. Sharing your experiences can help you gain different perspectives and useful advice. Additionally, consider seeking professional guidance, such as career coaching, to assist you in this process.
3. Explore new options: If you feel stuck in a routine or unsatisfied with your current job, consider possibilities for change. Identify your passions, skills, and interests, and see how they can translate into other areas or careers. Research and discover new opportunities that may be more aligned with your goals and desires.
4. Develop new skills: Investing in your professional development can open doors to new opportunities and help overcome the career crisis. Consider participating in courses, lectures, workshops, or training programs to acquire new skills and knowledge relevant to your area of interest.
5. Set realistic goals: Set clear and achievable goals for yourself. This can help you focus on specific directions and track your progress over time. Break your goals down into smaller steps and create an action plan to achieve them.
6. Find balance: A career crisis is often linked to a sense of burnout or lack of personal satisfaction. Therefore, it’s important to find a healthy balance between work and personal life. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, take care of your physical and mental health, and maintain positive relationships.
7. Consider therapies and coaching: Sometimes, a career crisis is related to deeper issues, such as personal values, life purpose, or past regrets. In these cases, therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), as well as coaching, can be helpful in exploring these issues and finding ways to move forward.

Remember that each situation is unique, and the path to overcoming a career crisis may vary from person to person. If necessary, don’t hesitate to seek specialized professional support to assist you in this coping and decision-making process.

When Help Is Needed (It Always Is!)

Facing a career crisis can be daunting and challenging, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and personal development. Having a behavioral professional to assist at this time can make all the difference in how to deal with this moment as well as opening up other opportunities for a potentially even more promising future. This is because this professional stands out as a powerful approach to navigate through this uncertain phase, helping their clients to better cope with themselves, identify their passions, set clear goals, develop skills, and overcome obstacles. By offering emotional support and practical guidance, every good cognitive-behavioral developer empowers individuals to reinvent themselves, reframe, find meaning and satisfaction in their careers, and pave the way for a promising future. Among the lines of cognitive-behavioral development process, I highlight three that can be more useful when it comes to career and midlife crisis. Thus, considering undergoing a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) process, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as well as coaching, as part of the career crisis recovery process, can be a valuable investment for professional success and fulfillment.

What are the differences between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Coaching?

It’s important to emphasize that they are distinct approaches, although they may have some superficial similarities. It’s up to each individual to identify the moment and choose the best process to deal with the present moment, which can always be daunting and challenging. Therefore, it’s necessary to seek help when one loses the ability to cope with this crisis. Don’t be fooled, because it can create triggers and develop other much more serious psychological issues directly affecting physical and mental health. Now, with a good professional and the correct process, it can also be an opportunity for growth and personal development. The main differences between these approaches:

Objective and Focus:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Its main objective is reframing, based on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are continuously interconnected. Widely used in the treatment of psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, burnout, boreout, among others. CBT focuses on reframing negative thoughts with more realistic and adaptive thoughts, always seeking concrete behavioral changes – changing behavior and thus the way of seeing and dealing with life and vice versa. The therapist works with the individual to develop specific strategies, coping skills, and problem-solving techniques to deal with the challenges of a career crisis.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Also known as third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapy, its goal is to help people accept difficulties and negative emotions while committing to behaviors that are consistent with their personal values. Fundamentally applied in the treatment of a wide range of issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, chronic pain, addictions, occupational stress, and improvement of cognitive and physical performance. The focus is on acceptance, developing psychological flexibility, and value-driven action. It emphasizes the importance of accepting negative emotions, thoughts, and difficult career-related experiences, rather than trying to avoid or control them. ACT focuses on helping the person identify their core values and take committed actions aligned with those values, even in the presence of emotional discomfort. The goal is to help the person develop a healthy and compassionate relationship with their thoughts and emotions while making conscious decisions guided by their professional values.
• Coaching: The main goal of coaching is to support its client in achieving specific goals and promoting their personal and professional development. Coaching focuses on personal and professional development, aiming to help the individual identify and achieve specific career-related goals. A professional coach can work with the person to explore their values, interests, skills, and career goals. Its focus is on the present and the future, concentrating on practical strategies to achieve career success. The coach can provide guidance, support, feedback, and establish an action plan to help the person overcome the career crisis, explore new opportunities, and achieve their goals.

Approach:

• CBT: It is based on the idea that thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected and mutually influence each other. It focuses on identifying and modifying dysfunctional patterns of thinking and associated behaviors through specific techniques and tools, such as cognitive restructuring, gradual exposure, social skills training, among others.
• ACT: It is based on the theory of behavioral context, which emphasizes the importance of accepting internal experiences, such as thoughts and emotions, while committing to actions that are consistent with personal values. It uses techniques such as cognitive defusion, acceptance, mindfulness, and values clarification.
• Coaching: It is based on a partnership between the coach (coaching professional) and the coachee (client) to achieve specific goals and promote personal and professional development. Among its approaches are situation assessment, self-awareness and values identification, exploration of options and possibilities, goal setting and action plan, skill and competency development, ongoing support, among others.

Relationship Between Professional and Client:

• CBT: The therapist plays an active role in guiding the client, providing specific strategies, tools, and techniques to modify dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors. The therapeutic relationship is important but may be more focused on the application of tools and techniques. It’s a medium to long-term process.
• ACT: The therapist acts more as a facilitator, helping the client develop acceptance skills, cognitive defusion, and value-driven action. The therapeutic relationship is characterized by empathy, acceptance, and support for the client in their process of acceptance and change. It’s a medium to long-term process.
• Coaching: The relationship between the coach and the coachee is extremely professional and based on collaboration. The coach doesn’t dictate decisions or solutions to the coachee but facilitates the process of self-exploration, skill development, and decision-making, stimulating insight generation from the perspective of the present reality. Both work together towards the goals established by the coachee. The coach acts as a facilitator, providing support, guidance, and feedback throughout the process. It’s a short to medium-term process.

What Really Matters:

Facing a mid-career professional crisis, first know that you are not alone, it is part of everyone. In other words, at some point, we will all go through it. Now, how to deal with it is singularly the responsibility of each individual. Throughout all this time as a professional, I have no doubts that we all need someone who can assist us with new valuable insights, create new goals, and build new strategies to deal with this challenging phase. Here are some tips that can be useful, and you can start now in a direct and sincere dialogue of you with yourself:

1st. Understanding the career crisis: The career crisis can manifest in various ways. Some professionals may feel a constant lack of enthusiasm for work, a sense of stagnation, or even a lack of purpose. These feelings can be overwhelming and negatively affect productivity, motivation, and overall job satisfaction. Identifying the early signs of this crisis is crucial to start the recovery process. In this regard, remember that a good cognitive-behavioral professional who has a significant foundation of studies and experience makes all the difference, not only because it helps us understand this moment but also helps in identifying possible combinations with other issues in our lives.

2nd. Self-awareness: Only by looking deeply into ourselves can we encourage ourselves to know ourselves more deeply. Reflecting on our values, passions, and interests can help us realign our career with what really matters to us. Before making any career changes, it is crucial to develop a clear understanding of oneself, one’s skills, values, and interests. Self-awareness is the foundation for making informed decisions and aligning your career choices with your personal goals. In this regard, remember that a good cognitive-behavioral professional plays an essential role in helping individuals explore and discover their potential, identify their passions, and understand their strengths and weaknesses.

3rd. Acceptance and Reframing: A good cognitive-behavioral process teaches us to accept things we cannot control. Instead of resisting the crisis, we can find meaning and purpose within it, reassessing our vision of success and happiness.

4th. Setting Clear Goals: Once self-awareness and understanding the importance of acceptance have been achieved, it’s time to set clear and realistic goals. In this regard, remember that a good cognitive-behavioral professional offers a safe and supportive environment in which professionals can set meaningful goals and strategies to achieve them. Working collaboratively with the client to create a detailed action plan, defining achievable and measurable steps that drive career progress.

5th. Exploring Options and Possibilities: During a career crisis, it can be challenging to see beyond current circumstances. Behavioral development helps individuals expand their vision, explore different options, and consider new career opportunities. By challenging limiting beliefs, you will learn to observe new perspectives – a good process will empower the client to overcome fears and uncertainties, paving the way for a promising future.

6th. Developing Skills and Overcoming Obstacles: In this regard, remember that a good cognitive-behavioral professional has the opportunity to develop specific skills that can help them overcome obstacles and excel in their careers. These skills may include effective communication, leadership, time management, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, self-control, self-esteem, self-love, etc. Behavioral cognitive development works individually with each client, providing personalized guidance and constructive feedback to strengthen these essential skills.

7th. Resilience and Adaptation: Make no mistake! In times of crisis, resilience is a fundamental quality to deal with adversity and adapt to new circumstances. You need emotional support and practical strategies to help you develop resilience, face challenges with confidence, and find creative solutions to overcome obstacles. This adaptability is especially valuable in a world of constant change, where careers are subject to rapid and unpredictable transformations.

The Cognitive Behavioral Professional plays a crucial role in coping with the career crisis, providing guidance, support, and necessary resources for a successful transition. They possess specialized skills in helping their clients identify their strengths, overcome obstacles, set clear goals, and develop effective strategies as well as reframing issues that need to be addressed to achieve professional success. Additionally, a good professional offers a safe space to explore emotions, fears, and insecurities, allowing individuals to develop confidence and self-esteem during the recovery process. Finally, never forget that the most important thing of all is the permission to always challenge yourself, always seeking knowledge. Time always reminds us that life is a continuous journey of learning and growth. From this perspective, the professional crisis can be seen as an opportunity to explore new areas of interest, acquire new skills, and expand our horizons.

Professional Self-Assessment Challenge

Brief explanation: This exercise invites readers to conduct an honest self-assessment of their professional satisfaction and motivation. Through a series of simple questions, they can reflect on their feelings regarding their current career and identify areas of interest, values, and professional goals. The aim is to help readers better understand their current situation and determine whether they are on the right path or need to make changes to achieve greater professional fulfillment.

1. Self-Assessment Challenge: Discover how you truly feel about your career. Are you just going through the motions, or are you genuinely satisfied and motivated? Take a quick look at your feelings and find out where you stand on a scale of professional satisfaction.
2. Explore Your Values and Passions: What truly matters to you? What are your personal values, and how do they reflect in your current career? Find out if your professional activities align with your interests and passions, or if it’s time for some changes.
3. Set Meaningful Goals: Establish concrete and achievable goals for your career. By visualizing where you want to be in the future, you can start mapping out a clear path to get there. Challenge yourself to dream big and set goals that motivate you to take action.
4. Discover Who You Really Are: Explore your strengths, skills, and areas of interest. Do you truly know yourself well? Embark on a journey of self-discovery to uncover what makes you unique and how it can influence your career choices.
5. Balance is Key: Evaluate how you’re balancing your personal and professional life. Are you dedicating enough time to yourself, your family, and the things that truly matter? Find out if you’re on the right track or if you need to adjust your priorities.
6. Awaken Your Inner Resilience: Remember the challenges you’ve faced and how you’ve overcome each one. What have you learned from those experiences? Use your past resilience to tackle present challenges and discover what you’re truly capable of overcoming.
7. Conduct Your Own Assessment: Answer a few simple questions to assess your current situation. Are you happy with your career? Do you feel professionally fulfilled? Discover the answers and take steps to achieve the happiness and success you deserve.

These exercises are just the beginning of a journey of self-discovery and personal development. Challenge yourself to explore each one and find out what they can reveal about you and your career. The power is in your hands to create the professional life you truly desire.

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Hello, I’m Marcello de Souza! I started my career in 1997 as a leader and manager in a large company in the IT and Telecommunications market. Since then, I have participated in important projects of structuring, implementation, and optimization of telecommunications networks in Brazil. Restless and passionate about behavioral and social psychology. In 2008, I decided to delve into the universe of the human mind.

Since then, I have become a professional passionate about deciphering the secrets of human behavior and catalyzing positive changes in individuals and organizations. Doctor in Social Psychology, with over 25 years of experience in Cognitive Behavioral and Human Organizational Development. With a wide-ranging career, I highlight my role as:

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My solid academic background includes four postgraduates and a doctorate in Social Psychology, along with international certifications in Management, Leadership, and Cognitive Behavioral Development. My contributions in the field are widely recognized in hundreds of classes, training sessions, conferences, and published articles.

Co-author of the book “The Secret of Coaching” and author of “The Map Is Not the Territory, the Territory Is You” and “The Diet Society” (the first of a trilogy on human behavior in contemporaneity – 05/2024).

Allow me to be your companion on this journey of self-discovery and success. Together, we will unravel a universe of behavioral possibilities and achieve extraordinary results.

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