Why your career growth stops at age 35 and how to restart it
For many high-achievers, your early career is a blur of activity and upward movement. But then, somewhere around your mid-30s, things can start to feel a bit... stuck. The promotions become less frequent, the work feels less challenging, and the initial excitement has faded. You might feel bored, uninspired, and even a little resentful. These are classic mid career plateau symptoms, and they are surprisingly common.
By Tony Musso on
It feels like you’ve been climbing a mountain in the fog. For years, you’ve been putting one foot in front of the other, trusting you were on the right path. You did everything right - you got the degree, you took the job, you worked hard, you got the promotions. Then one day, the fog clears and you look up, only to realise the summit you’ve been scaling is... not actually the one you wanted to reach. Even worse, you feel like you can’t move up, and you’re not sure you want to anyway. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Welcome to the mid-career plateau.
The great slow-down
For many high-achievers, your early career is a blur of activity and upward movement. The path is clear: learn the ropes, [master your craft, and climb the ladder](/blog/career-progression-advice "Real career progression advice for modern professionals"). But then, somewhere around your mid-30s, [things can start to feel a bit... stuck](/blog/i-am-35-and-have-no-career-direction-what-now "I Am 35 and Have No Career Direction - What Now?"). The promotions become less frequent, the work feels less challenging, and the initial excitement has faded. You might feel bored, uninspired, and even a little resentful. These are classic mid career plateau symptoms, and they are surprisingly common.
You look at the next rung on the ladder - a senior management role, perhaps - and you don’t feel a pull towards it. It looks like more of the same, just with longer hours and more meetings. The [traditional career ladder, once a symbol of progress](/blog/professional-career-advice "Honest career advice beyond climbing the ladder"), now feels like a cage. You’ve become a victim of your own success. You’re so good at what you do that you’ve become pigeonholed. People see you as the “go-to” person for a specific skill, but they can’t imagine you doing anything else. It’s a frustrating and isolating experience.
Why the ladder is a lie
The idea of a single career ladder is a relic of a bygone era. It was designed for a time when people would join a company in their 20s and stay there until they retired. But the world of work has changed. The average person will have multiple jobs across different industries in their lifetime. The idea that you should pick one path and stick to it is not only outdated, it’s also incredibly limiting.
The truth is, most of us aren’t designed to do just one thing. We have multiple interests, passions, and talents. We are creative, curious, and constantly evolving. To expect us to find fulfilment in a single, linear career path is unrealistic. It’s like telling a musician they can only play one note. The single ladder model forces us to choose one part of ourselves and neglect all the others. It’s a recipe for burnout and dissatisfaction.
One of the most common mid career plateau symptoms is a feeling of being trapped. You’ve [invested so much time and energy into this one path](/blog/career-advice-for-40s "Career guidance for professionals in their 40s") that it feels impossible to change course. You have a mortgage, a family, and responsibilities. You can’t just throw it all away and start again, can you? This is the fear that keeps so many people stuck in careers that no longer serve them.
The rise of the portfolio career
So what’s the alternative? If the career ladder is a lie, what should you be aiming for instead? The answer is a portfolio career. A portfolio career is not about having multiple jobs. It’s a collection of different professional activities that, when combined, create a fulfilling and sustainable career. It’s about building a career that is as unique as you are.
Think of it like a financial portfolio. You wouldn’t put all your money into one stock, would you? You would diversify your investments to minimise risk and maximise returns. A portfolio career applies the same logic to your professional life. Instead of relying on a single employer for your income and sense of identity, you cultivate multiple streams of income and engagement. This could include a mix of part-time work, freelance projects, consulting gigs, and even [starting your own business](/blog/how-to-become-an-amazon-fba-seller-in-the-uk-2026-step-by-step "How to Become an Amazon FBA Seller in the UK (2026 Step-by-Step)"). It’s about creating a career that is flexible, adaptable, and a true reflection of who you are.
Building a portfolio career is not about starting from scratch. It’s about [leveraging the skills and experience you’ve already gained](/blog/career-growth-opportunities "Finding new growth opportunities in your career"). You can start by identifying the parts of your current job that you enjoy and are good at. Then, look for opportunities to use those skills in different contexts. For example, if you’re a marketing manager who loves writing, you could start a freelance writing business on the side. If you’re a software developer who is passionate about teaching, you could create an online course. The possibilities are endless.
How to build your portfolio
Building a portfolio career is a journey, not a destination. It’s about taking small, intentional steps to create a career that is more aligned with your values and interests. Here’s how you can get started:
- **Rediscover who you are.** Before you can build a career that fits you, you need to know who you are. What are your strengths, your values, your passions? What are [the things you’re naturally good at](/blog/why-every-career-test-you-have-ever-taken-was-probably-wrong "Why Every Career Test You Have Ever Taken Was Probably Wrong")? What are the things you can’t not do? Take some time to reflect on these questions. Talk to friends, family, and trusted colleagues. The more you understand yourself, the easier it will be to design a career that works for you.
- **Explore your options.** Once you have a better understanding of yourself, start exploring different possibilities. Don’t limit yourself to what you think is realistic. Brainstorm a list of all the things you could do, no matter how crazy they seem. This is a time for exploration and discovery. The more options you generate, the more likely you are to find something that truly excites you.
- **Start small.** You don’t have to quit your job to start building a portfolio career. In fact, it’s often better to start small and experiment. Take on a small freelance project, volunteer for a cause you care about, or start a passion project on the side. This will allow you to test the waters and see what feels right without taking a massive risk. It will also help you to build new skills and expand your network.
- **Connect with others.** Building a portfolio career can feel lonely at times, especially if you’re used to the structure and camaraderie of a traditional workplace. That’s why it’s so important to connect with other people who are on a similar path. Join online communities, attend networking events, and [reach out to people whose careers you admire](/blog/finding-a-mentor-who-actually-opens-doors-for-you "Finding a Mentor Who Actually Opens Doors for You"). The more you connect with others, the more supported and inspired you will feel.
What to do next
If you’re experiencing mid career plateau symptoms, don’t despair. It’s not a sign that you’re washed up or past your prime. It’s a sign that you’re ready for a change. It’s an invitation to step off the single ladder and start building a career that is a true reflection of who you are.
Start by taking one small step today. It could be as simple as making a list of your strengths or reaching out to someone for an informational interview. The important thing is to start. The path to a fulfilling career is not a [straight line. It’s a winding road](/blog/career-path-advice "A modern look at career paths and progression") with unexpected twists and turns. But if you’re willing to embrace the journey, you’ll find that it’s a much more rewarding and exciting way to live.