While every career is different, many people experience a similar professional path.
There are some common career stages in the journey of the average employee. Beginning with your initial interest in possible career paths to retirement, each stage provides new challenges to face and unique growth opportunities. In this article, we discuss the five career stages by age and offer tips to help you succeed in each.
What are the five career stages?
The career stages, also referred to as career life cycle stages, are ways of categorizing where you are in your professional life. The five career stages are:
1. Exploration
Typical age range: 21-25
Exploration refers to the stage before gaining permanent employment. Those in this stage may be finishing an undergraduate or graduate degree. This stage shapes the direction of your professional ambitions. As the prospect of a long-term career approaches, you may begin to eliminate many options and focus on several professions that interest you.
Also Read: The Diary of an Assertive Job Seeker
Your background and personality influence your career choice. Your path may also be informed by:
- Your upbringing
- Communication from parents
- Education
As you begin your job search, your efforts will typically include:
- Discovering interests: Define what your passion is, what motivates you and what jobs are suited to your personality.
- Developing basic skills: Take courses for your intended career and pass any necessary state or national exams, such as the medical licensing exam.
- Creating expectations: Consider what type of lifestyle you want in the future and what salary range will provide this lifestyle. Think about whether you want a family and what kind of work/life balance you would like to achieve.
Tips for success in the exploration stage:
- Explore many different career paths through shadowing, internships, part-time work and volunteering.
- Speak to teachers and counselors about the courses and training required for careers that interest you.
- Use your college career center to make connections with employers.
2. Establishment
Typical age range: 25-35 years old
The establishment stage includes your initial job search, applying for a job and accepting your first long-term position. You are likely to accept an entry-level or mid-level position with comparably minor responsibilities. Learning, career development and establishing your place characterize this stage. The realities of your job replace the expectations from the exploration stage. You may experience uncertainty and anxiety entering the workforce for the first time and encountering many new situations and people. However, this stage also brings excitement for a new phase in your life and anticipation of the future.
Your main objectives in the establishment stage are:
- Learning your new job
- Gaining acceptance from peers
- Developing and improving your skills
During this time, you can experience your first professional successes and setbacks. Try to stay positive when faced with challenging feedback and diligent about skill development.
Tips for success in the establishment stage:
- Develop and enhance skills through workshops and continuing education courses.
- Find a mentor in your profession you can ask for advice and guidance.
- Use your performance reviews to help direct your skill development into specific areas of improvement.
- Pursue certifications or licenses in your industry
3. Mid-career
Typical age range: 35-45 years old
This stage may be characterized by either career stability and progression or a transition into a new profession or field. Many employees in this stage reach their peak levels of productivity and maintain a skill set specific to their role. These years will demonstrate your commitment to your work and solidify your position. By remaining dedicated to your current job, you can receive greater responsibility and the resulting rewards and recognition.
You will likely expect progress at your job, such as a promotion or pay increase. If this does not occur, you may choose to reassess your role. In this stage, you may consider reevaluating your goals, interests and skills. Like many mid-career professionals, you may face the choice between achieving greater success in your current role or transitioning to a new position or an entirely new career.
Tips for success in the mid-career stage:
- Speak with your supervisor about opportunities for growth and forward movement.
- Evaluate your job satisfaction.
- Apply for internal positions that provide a greater challenge and greater responsibilities.
- Speak with your peers and check job boards for open positions in other companies that may align better with your career aspirations.
4. Late career
Typical age range: 45-55 years old
Presuming that you progressed through the midcareer stage successfully, the late-career stage can be an opportunity for a less demanding work environment. Rather than learning or obtaining new skills, the late-stage employee can teach others and begin identifying and training a successor.
You may have fewer opportunities for advancement, but you can enjoy tasks like mentoring younger employees. You will likely not have any job changes during this stage, relying on your reputation and good standing as security for your position.
You can begin to envision what your life will look like after retirement and may spend less time working and more time doing activities you enjoy outside of work.
Tips for success in the late-career stage:
- Develop interests outside of work, such as gardening, biking, or photography.
- Join a club or group, like an alumni association or civic group.
- Prepare for retirement financially by speaking with the human resources department and a financial advisor to detail your retirement goals.
- Consider offering your expertise through a mentorship program, speaking at a conference or writing a book.
5. Decline
Typical age range: 55-65 years old
After finishing a solid career and several decades in the workforce, many people are ready to retire in their mid-60s.
After retirement, you may choose to enjoy the break from working by spending more time with family and friends and traveling. You can channel your skills and knowledge into reviving past hobbies, developing new interests or volunteering.
Depending on your financial situation, lifestyle and energy level, you may also consider finding other ways to make money, such as:
- Working part-time
- Consulting on a freelance basis
Tips for success in the decline stage:
- Stay sharp by engaging your mind with activities such as lifelong learning opportunities, painting and reading.
- Continue to socialize by meeting with friends and family regularly.
- Share your knowledge through teaching at a community center or college.
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