This article reviews the theoretical notion of midcareer as it is described in career development literature. Three patterns of use of the term ‘midcareer’ are identified, and these differ in the time that authors either nominate or assume constitutes midcareer. These timeframes are: (1) a period some time after career commencement; (2) a variable period of time midway between start and end of career; or (3) a period beyond a midpoint in the second half of career. The discussion centres on findings that point to how midcareer theory can be reframed. Even so, career theory may still echo traditional unhelpful assumptions about midcareer that need continual questioning.
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