What Are The Signs You May Be Ready For a Career Change?

At certain points in life, we start to sense that our career no longer fits quite like it used to. Maybe your role feels misaligned with who you are now and not as rewarding as it once was, or you’ve simply outgrown what once inspired you. Recognising the signs you may be ready for a career change can be the first step toward something far more fulfilling.

If you’re considering a career change in your 40s or 50s or at any point in your life, you’re not alone. Many people reach this stage of life and realise that success, stability, or status aren’t the full picture, they’re ready for meaning, purpose, and work that feels aligned. Once you have an inspiring purpose in place everything becomes a lot clearer.

Below are some signs you might be ready to turn the page on your current chapter and step into your what’s next.

1. You’ve Lost Your Sense of Purpose

You may be successful on paper, but something is missing. The projects that once sparked excitement now feel draining. You’re showing up, but not truly engaged.

When clients come to me for career change coaching, this is often the first clue that a deeper shift is needed. We start by uncovering what really matters to you - your Personal Purpose. Once that’s clear, everything else starts to align: your next role, your goals, even your energy and certainly your happiness.

2. You’re Asking “Is This It?” More Often Than You’d Like

If you find yourself wondering whether there’s more out there, then it’s likely that there  probably is. This kind of restlessness isn’t something to ignore; it’s often the nudge toward something more meaningful and a new chapter in your career.

A career transition  isn’t about starting over, it’s about using your experience, values, and instincts to move toward something that fits who you’ve become.

3. You’re Stuck Focusing on the “How” Instead of the “Why”

Many people hit a wall because they’re jumping straight into job titles, CV tweaks, or LinkedIn updates before defining why they’re making a change.

Traditional coaching models often focus on process - skills audits, industry analysis, networking. All important, but not the foundation. My work takes a different route. As a career coach in London, I help clients first reconnect with their core purpose and values before defining strategy. Once that’s clear, we  design a roadmap that’s aligned, intentional, sustainable and tailored to you.

4. You’re Feeling Stuck, Even When You’re Doing “All the Right Things”

You’ve completed professional development courses, updated your CV, and even applied for new roles, yet nothing feels like progress. When this happens, it’s often because the real issue isn’t external, it’s actually internal.

A career transition partnership helps you move beyond surface-level changes to something more transformational. It’s not just about landing the next job, it’s about redefining how you want to work and live.

5. You’re Ready to Lead With Intention

Perhaps you’ve reached a senior level and want to use your experience in a new way. Or you’re seeking to design a career that feels balanced, purposeful, and reflective of who you’ve become.

When you’re ready to lead your next chapter with structure and purpose,  uncertainty can be turned into intentional action.

What a Career Change Partnership Looks Like

In my work, I guide clients through three core stages:

• Discover Your Personal Purpose – We uncover what truly drives you and align your next steps around it.

• Define a Bespoke Strategy – No templates, no one-size-fits-all plans. Together, we map out your career direction and how to get there.

• Move From Stuck to acting with Intention – You’ll leave with a renewed sense of clarity and a plan that fits who you are now, not who you were five years ago.

This partnership is ideal for professionals, leaders, and business owners ready to make a meaningful shift.

The Outcome: Clarity, Conviction, and a Clear Path Forward

Whether you’re navigating a career change in your 40s, planning a career change in your 50s, or simply seeking more alignment in your working life, this process helps you move beyond confusion and into clarity.

You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of your purpose, the confidence to make intentional choices, and a practical roadmap to bring your next chapter to life.

Ready to Begin Your Career Change Journey?

If you’re reading this and thinking this sounds like me, you may already be ready to take the next step.

Learn more about how I can support you and how we can work together to define your next chapter with clarity and purpose.

Nicky Gray is an experienced executive and career coach based in London, with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and leaders uncover their purpose and navigate meaningful career transitions.

Contact Nicky HERE.