The 5 Stages of a Typical Career--Where Are You

The 5 Stages of a Typical Career--Where Are YouThe 5 Stages of a Typical CareerWhere Are You8The progression of stages differs for each person- some may spend more time at one level, others may hit road bumps, and many will even choose to redirect entirely. But whether the journey is linear, winding, or circular, each stage provides valuable chances to grow and to craft a route that works for you.Here are the five stages of a typical career.ExplorationWhether you have your foot in the door at a place you think may be your dream company or are working a particular job simply because it pays the rent for now, get all you can from the experience. Asking thoughtful questions, meeting a variety of people, and learning everything you can will set you up for future career opportunities. Youll not only begin figuring out if the field is a good match to your interests, youll strengthen transferable skills and grow your network.For many people, the exploration phase is one to repeat several ti mes before you find a career that feels right. If youve been trying different careers before you move to the next stage, youre not aloneprogredienzWhen youve reached a point where you feel headed in the right direction, it is time for preliminary planning. What will it take to get from point A to point B? Do you have the educational background necessary for the position to which you aspire? Might finding a mentor help with navigating the industry and its politics?A common pitfall in this stage is focusing too much on rapid promotion rather than on long-term goals. Cautions David Van Rooy, senior director of global leadership development at Walmart and author of Trajectory 7 Career Strategies to Take You from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, When people hop jobs quickly, they are often focused more on title and money than on the skills they need to develop to reach their longer-term goals. For that reason, it is essential to have at least a loose idea of your 5-10-year career g oals. Once you have taken the time to consider that, you can begin to map out the skills and experiences you need in order to reach those goals.SatisfactionCongratulations on finding happiness with your work and your employer Take pleasure in your circumstance, and keep taking action to ensure the good times last.Many people reach a point where they really enjoy what they are doing (and are really good at it). There is nothing wrong with this at all- I call this a positive plateau, Van Rooy says. He suggests, however, continuing to be a lifelong learner who seeks out new people, ideas, and challenges. If youve been doing the saatkorn thing for awhile, try to get exposure or a chance to work in another part of the business. Think of it as a way to shock the system. Similarly, dont be afraid to let others know what your goals are. Its easy to become pigeonholed if you have been in the same job for a long time.EvaluationWhile regularly taking a close look at your where you are vs. wher e you want to be is worthwhile, sometimes circumstances increase the need for inspection- a new baby that necessitates a different schedule, a corporate merger that leaves your job shaky, a case of the Monday blahs five days a week that makes you wonder if youre in the right field.A key to this stage is zeroing in on what would make life better. Are you dissatisfied with the pay, the actual work, the environment, the hours, or something else? Without pinpointing the problem, you may switch jobs just because the grass appears greener elsewhere- and soon end up with the same difficulties. Once you know what it is you truly want you can brainstorm ideas on how to achieve it, perhaps seeking a new role with the same employer, learning a new skill to increase marketability, or exploring flexible options to achieve a saner work-life balance.LegacyThe final years of a career are a time to think about what lasting mark you wish to make on your field. Many workers find it rewarding to mentor younger employees or to hold leadership positions within professional or community organizations. Others focus on meeting personal or company goals theyd still like to accomplish.As one career path finishes, dont be surprised if a new one begins. People at this stage often seek alternate employment as a way to explore additional interests, keep active and social, and contribute to their income. And in their new role, they may find themselves passing through the five stages of a typical career once againReaders, how many of the five stages of a typical career have you experienced? Share your experience with us below