The Micro-Moments That Signal It’s Time to Rethink Your Path
You’re not unhappy—but you’re not lit up either. What then? Many late-stage career professionals end up here and aren’t sure what’s going on or what to do next. This can be a pivotal moment.
Not every pivot begins with a bold declaration or a dramatic moment. More often, it begins with something small and unassuming. Feeling like you’re on a cloud, not really rooted in reality. A quiet wondering. A micro-moment.
It might be a slight hesitation before logging into work. Or a burst of energy and excitement when you’re talking to a friend about a hobby you haven’t touched in years. Maybe it’s just a whisper of a question that returns again and again:
Is this still the right path for me? Or is something new starting to call?
These aren’t red flags to be alarmed over, but subtle and persistent reminders that something may be shifting beneath the surface. Something is stirring in you and prompting you to wonder about alternative paths coming into your view.
How often do you find yourself daydreaming about an idea or side passion while in a work meeting? Do you find yourself more excited about it than the meeting you’re in? Do you wonder what life would be like if you could drop the meeting and work on the other idea—like starting a photography business, mentoring others, or writing that book?
A Shift, Not a Crisis
Professionals used to navigating external change often find internal change more unsettling. It’s personal, persistent, and harder to pin down. When thoughts of change in your career future pop into your days, it can be distracting—and persistent.
However, these ideas of change aren’t always a sign of discontent. More often than not, they’re signs of your own personal growth unfolding, whether you’re conscious of it or not. You have to ask if it’s time to shift gears for something that feels more aligned. Maybe there’s something that feels more meaningful to you, or better reflects how you want to spend your time now.
I’m grateful for the work I get to do and the people I get to work with. There’s still plenty of meaning in it. But that doesn’t mean I’m not asking myself new questions. Because as we grow, our definition of meaningful work often changes too.
Questions like:
• What energizes me now?
• How excited am I about the future of the path I’m on?
• What kind of impact feels most satisfying?
• Where do I want to be investing my time, effort, and creativity?
Sometimes we outgrow the goals that once drove us. And that’s not failure—that’s growth. Career passions of our youth change with time. Many factors determine how that passion evolves—whether it grows, fades, or transforms into something new.
Recognizing the Quiet Signals
You may not even realize you’re at a pivot point until you start paying attention to the little things:
You catch yourself saying, “I’ve always wanted to…” a bit more often.
You linger a little longer on articles or podcasts about people doing something outside your field.
You notice the parts of your workday that drain you faster than they used to.
You keep feeling like there’s a project, path, or pace that might suit you better—but you haven’t quite put your finger on it yet.
You find yourself on a Sunday thinking you don’t want to go to work tomorrow because of so many other things you want to be doing.
Little things add up until you’re forced to take action. It’s like hearing a low hum under the surface of your day-to-day—barely there, but impossible to un-hear once you tune in.
Why not pay attention now and devote some time to thinking about what comes next so you move forward with intention rather than panic?
Planning Ahead, Gently
There’s something powerful about giving yourself permission to explore possibilities while you’re still on solid ground. That’s what planning from a place of strength looks like: staying curious, paying attention, and gently preparing—not because something’s broken, but because you’re ready for something more aligned.
Maybe it starts with a side project. Or a class. Or simply creating more time in your week to think and reflect. Not every pivot needs to be immediate or complete. Some begin slowly, over months or even years, through small adjustments that add up over time.
Listening to What’s Calling You
When I talk to others navigating this in-between space, I often suggest starting with awareness. You don’t have to rush. You don’t have to justify your thoughts. But do give yourself the time and grace to be honest.
What excites you lately?
Where does your mind wander when you’re not focused?
What would you love to give a little more energy to—even if only in small ways?
What are your core values today, and how do the things you give energy to align with them?
You might not need to make any changes right now. But noticing is a form of progress. Listening is an act of leadership in your own life.
Exploring the “What If” Together
In my coaching work, I support people who are navigating this quiet terrain—folks who aren’t necessarily unhappy, but who sense that something new is beginning to take shape inside them.
If you’ve been catching glimpses of a next chapter—whether fully formed or still fuzzy—I offer a few complimentary sessions each month for those who want to explore their “what if” with a little more clarity and support.
No big leaps. No pressure. Just a conversation to help you see what’s shifting—and what it might be pointing you toward. Reach out to me if you’d like to explore this more.
