how to understand "that ‘unconventional path’ ship sailed a long time ago"
"that ‘unconventional path’ ship sailed a long time ago; I am in this career for the duration; I’ll think about what I want to do when I retire.” how do understand "that ‘unconventional path’ ship sailed a long time ago"?

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Answer

To say "that ship has sailed" means that that option is not available.
The writer's option to take an unconventional path was rejected or became impossible, a long time ago.