Here are some questions that may be difficult to answer as more time goes by, especially if you haven't landed that opportunity that screams "this, this is what I want to do for the rest of my career!" Especially for those, like me, who thought they had it but life had other plans.
1. Can I start over in a new industry, company, even location?
2. What will a recruiter see when they look at my experience/background, will it be enough to speak to me?
3. Is it worth it?
4. Will I gain/learn from it?
5. Will it be difficult?
These are just a few of the questions that run through your mind, and each one gets more difficult to answer and consider. That being said, the answer is still likely to be "YES!"
As a recruiter and leader, I think about these when I come across resumes others may not even read. I've hired candidates others may have turned away (or questioned) and watched them flourish, I've given opportunities or consideration where others may not. Why.... because sometimes it takes speaking to them or giving an opportunity to really see what they are capable of that goes beyond that resume (which many did not even read) or the expectations outlined in the job description.
We're all searching for that opportunity (unless you've already found it), where you look forward to going to work every day, love the team you work with, provides for you and your family, don't find yourself routinely searching the job boards, and ultimately can see yourself retiring from one day in the far future. It's somewhere out there, just keep reaching for what you're looking for and deserve!