Have you ever wondered at times, “Am I in the right job? Am I missing something? And is this the right organization for me? “Is this really what I want to be doing all my life? Do you feel not that happy about the way things have gone so far? Do you wish you could talk to some expert who could guide you to make right choice and make it work? Do you have to drag yourself to your workplace every morning?

If you have answered yes to most of the above questions then you are undergoing “Mid-Career Dilemma which means a stressful time when one feels stagnated and insecure about the current job profile and wants some positive change.

This often coincides with the Midlife Crisis which is a stage in life when people are in their 40s and start to search for the sense of purpose in life (fulfilment) while juggling with demands of family, parenting, personal health, finances etc.

Even people who have achieved a great deal of career success aren’t immune to these feelings. Mid-career malaise runs deep. It’s much more than just an “episodic moment” of frustration or “a particularly gruesome work project” that depletes you, says Gianpiero Petriglieri, associate professor of Organizational Behaviour at INSEAD.

It is so normal to experience this restlessness but also it indicates the underlying need for change by being proactive and make efforts daily and gradually to achieve the ultimate purpose of life.

If not now, when?

You have to believe in the power of self and face this challenge head on by introspecting, reflecting and knowing oneself better. Here are some things you can do to take control of the situation:

• Identify your dream career destination.
• Find a ‘Lighthouse’ who would Mentor you to find new direction in your life.
• Identify your strengths and link them with future possibilities.
• Take small steps towards gradual transition to a new path.