Hitting your 40s doesn’t mean your best career years are behind you, it can be the perfect time to redefine success and open new doors. Yet, many professionals at this stage feel stuck, undervalued, or unsure how to take the next step. The good news? The obstacles you face are common, and with the right mindset and strategies, they can be overcome. Let’s look at the five most common issues holding people back, and how you can start breaking through them today.

1. Age Perception & Bias

• Employers (and sometimes the individual themselves) assume that younger employees are more adaptable, energetic, or tech-savvy.
• This can create a self-limiting belief that opportunities are shrinking with age.

2. Stalled Skill Development

• Skills that once made them successful may now feel outdated in rapidly changing industries.
• Falling behind in technology, digital tools, or modern leadership practices often leads to stagnation.

3. Burnout & Energy Management

• Years of high-pressure work (plus personal responsibilities like family, finances, or health) leave people drained.
• A lack of clarity and motivation can make them feel “too tired” to push for the next level.

4. Fear of Change & Risk Aversion

• By 40+, many professionals feel they can’t afford to take risks (switching industries, starting a business, re-training).
• Fear of losing stability often keeps them in roles that don’t allow growth.

5. Identity & Confidence Struggles

• Career setbacks (missed promotions, redundancy, plateauing) can damage self-worth.
• Many tie their identity to their career success, so setbacks hit harder in midlife.
• Imposter syndrome can also creep in, even after decades of experience.

I’m sure you can relate to some of the topics listed here, but are they really reasons for your career to start a downward spiral?

This is where resilience, and being adaptable can be a game changer as you prepare for the next few decades, yes, that is decades of being active towards your career.

So, the question now is, if you are caught in more than one of the topics below, how ready are you to effectively make the changes required to keep ahead of the game?

The truth is, your 40s can be a powerful turning point, not the end of opportunity, but the start of a new chapter filled with clarity, purpose, and growth. The challenges you face are not roadblocks, they’re stepping stones. With the right mindset, tools, and support, you can reignite your career and step confidently into the future you want. Your next breakthrough is waiting, you just need to take the first step.

I understand firsthand the challenges involved in pushing yourself for ensure the career has a purpose. At Phil Adderley Coaching, I help individuals not only achieve their goals but also overcome significant life obstacles through personalised coaching that addresses both mindfulness practices and employment challenges. My approach recognises that recovery requires holistic support, developing physical strength alongside mental resilience, rebuilding professional confidence, and establishing healthy routines that sustain long-term wellbeing.

I invite you to take that crucial first step toward positive change by booking a complimentary Zoom consultation. This initial meeting gives me the opportunity to understand your unique needs, challenges, and aspirations, allowing us to create a tailored coaching plan that addresses your specific circumstances. Whether you’re seeking to improve your performance, enhance your mindfulness practice, or overcome employment hurdles, I’m committed to supporting you throughout your journey. Send an email to phil.adderley.coaching@gmail.com today to schedule your free session and discover how we can work together toward meaningful transformation and lasting success.