HBR recently ran a series on midcareer crises and asked experts to tackle tough questions like: Should you consider a more fulfilling job with a pay cut when you’ve got a mortgage, bills, and college savings to worry about? How do you get the training or education you need to switch careers if you’re already struggling to spend quality time with your family? We’ve compiled the best research and advice from the series here. Let us know in the comments if there are additional topics you’d like to see us cover.

Facing the crisis

First off, don’t despair: we’re all prone to midlife crises. The good news is we also tend to rebound later in life.

If you’re in a rut (and don’t want to wait it out), the former head of HR at Netflix recommends being honest about what you want—with yourself and your employer.

Sometimes, it’s hard to determine when the time is right for a new job. Watch for these five signs.

Another signpost to look out for is your five-year job anniversary. At this point, research shows you’re probably feeling unsatisfied. Fight the desire to show it—you’ll only hurt yourself.

Maybe you’re frustrated because you’ve failed to find your true self at work? You’re not alone—and you should stop looking.

Or perhaps you’ve realized that your dream job will always be out of reach. Chin up: letting go can be empowering.

Juggling family and career

Returning to work after taking time off to care for family can be a daunting transition and an isolating experience. However, coming back with a cohort of people in the same boat will make your reentry a lot smoother and more successful.

Two-income families are the norm but navigating a dual-career marriage requires constant compromise (which is often uneven). It is possible for both partners to have successful careers, however, with hard work and a few pointers.

Divorce can also wreak havoc. Does it have to derail you professionally? The experts say no, it can actually give your career a boost if you focus on the opportunities.

Harboring a dream of moving to Paris? That’s crazy! But one of our authors did it mid-career, relocating her family in the process. We can all learn from her experience with the challenges and trade-offs of multiple reinventions.

Making a move

Most of us are too risk-averse to make a big career move. But it doesn’t have to be so scary—if you act like a tourist before making the leap.

“Follow your passion” is common advice for career changers—but what do you do if you don’t know what your passions are? Try these two exercises.

Or find a great career coach—which isn’t always easy.

“I can’t afford to change jobs” is a frequent refrain. Be wary of using this excuse —financial fears are usually overblown and might be masking deeper insecurities.

Need to build new skills to get a promotion, feel more joy at work, or change jobs or industries? Follow these steps to develop deep smarts in a new area.

And remember, while everyone fears change, not taking risks might be the riskiest career move of all. The trick is to get out there and start learning by doing.

For more on the topic of taking action (rather than trying to think your way into a new job) read Herminia Ibarra’s classic article, How to Stay Stuck in the Wrong Career.