Big career risks (career change, business launch, major geographic move) become structurally harder with life accumulation — mortgage, children, established routines, ageing parents. Taking them earlier (20s and 30s) is often easier than waiting until 40s or 50s.
What 'big career risk' includes
Industry change. Sector change (corporate to non-profit or vice versa). Major geographic move (different country). Starting business. Returning to education for retraining.
Why earlier matters
Less invested in current path. Easier to live with reduced income temporarily. Lower stakes if it fails (you can recover). More energy for difficult transitions. Time to recover and rebuild if needed.
If considering a big change and you're 28 vs 48, the cost-benefit favours 28. Most regrets in mid-50s are about risks not taken, not risks attempted.