How To Succeesfully Navigate The Three Stages Of Your Career

Forbes

06-05-2025

Portrait of three happy coworkers smiling looking at camera in the office. Business concept. getty
After graduating college, there is a mixture of exhilaration, and fear. This is not one of the best job markets for young adults. A 2024 report by the Burning Glass Institute and Strada Institute for the Future of Work, titled ' Talent Disrupted ,' found that 52% of recent four-year college graduates are underemployed one year after graduation. This means that they are working in jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree.
Don't let this bother you. For many recent college graduates, they'll knock around for a while. Others who are lucky, will be on the fast track. Over the span of years, situations change. The initial hard chargers may burn out. If you keep trying, you'll find your way.
A career will span many decades. Therefore, think in terms of visualizing your career developing over the years. It's more of a marathon than a sprint. Consider breaking down your overall career arc into three distinct parts . Each phase presents unique opportunities and challenges. It runs the gamut from launching a career after college to figuring out what to do after you're ready to retire.
Early-career workers need to cultivate an array of relevant skills in their field. Mid-career professionals aggressively build their careers. Late-career workers can reinvent themselves through advisory or passion-driven roles. Ultimately, you'll need a financial plan for exiting the workforce, with a cushion of funds to allow you to enjoy your golden years.
It may not be easy for some people. We're in a fast moving job market, economy, and workplace. The rapid acceleration of AI, automation, robotics and other technologies can change the game overnight. These tools have both the power to help your career thrive, or you may lose your position due to AI.
Workers can't be complacent. Even if you have a good job and a nice compensation package, it doesn't mean it will last. The key is to continually move forward and be able to quickly adapt to changes. This includes getting training, finding a mentor, and learning new things to stay relevant and ahead of the curve. Upskilling is vital. A 2024 LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report found 74% of workers prioritize growth opportunities, and platforms like Udemy offer courses in AI or project management The Early Stages
Your early career stage starts after college. Some people graduate in a field such as software engineering with lots of opportunities and large compensation packages. Others may find themselves a little lost. They can't seem to find the right opportunity. Recent graduates face a competitive landscape, with Handshake's 2024 survey of 1,925 Class of 2025 students revealing that 57% feel pessimistic about job prospects due to market tightness and AI's impact. Don't despair. This has happened every generation. Getting the first job is mission critical. It gets your foot in the door.
Try to learn as much as possible. Find mentors, coaches and sponsors who can offer advice and guidance. Volunteer for almost everything. You want to be the go-to person in the office. You'll cultivate a reputation for being a team player and delivering on your promises. Also, it shows that you can get along with coworkers, managers and clients, which isn't easy to do.
Young professionals, particularly Gen Z, face a tight job market and AI-driven disruptions. To thrive, you'll need to focus on acquiring versatile skills, such as digital literacy and problem-solving, which a 2024 World Economic Forum report identifies as critical for 60% of jobs by 2030. Seek out roles in growing sectors like technology, healthcare, finance or sustainability, even if they require starting at entry-level positions. Your Mid-Career
The mid-career stage , often spanning the 15 to 25 year mark, is a period of peak productivity. You've cultivated confidence and the respect of your peers and managers. If you're so inclined, mid-career workers should start working on ways to obtain senior leadership opportunities.
As you are climbing the corporate ladder, it's the time when you start making progress and earning some real money. You'll want to start setting aside funds for the future. Look into opening a brokerage account, if you don't have one already. Find out about CD rates, mutual funds, ETFs, and money markets. While you may feel invincible as your mid-career is doing well, don't fall into the trap of overspending to keep up with the neighbors.
Always remain mentally prepared. The job market is tough. You could one day find yourself tapped to be laid off. Workers will likely face disruptions, like AI automating roles. After a couple of decades have passed, you might be thinking about a change. It's normal to think about a career pivot or reinvention to stay fresh and motivated. Be Honest With Yourself
At each interaction of your career journey, think about if you want to continue doing what you've been doing for so long. Consider thinking about new and different challenges. This is the mid-life career crisis, as you need to figure out what you want to be for the next phase of your work life.
It will seem daunting. When you're middle aged and after starting anew, it's not easy. Design a plan of bold action. Think of what you're good at, enjoy doing, have some talent for and the chance to earn a good living. Then, research what it takes to make that leap and do it. Don't procrastinate. Start today, as time quickly flies by. Reinventing or Pivoting
Reinventing your career can feel daunting, especially if you're accustomed to a high-paying profession, but lack passion for it. Fear of losing status or financial security often traps people in unfulfilling jobs. Start small and avoid rash decisions. Try embracing Japanese concepts like ikigai (finding purpose) and kaizen (continuous improvement) to guide your pivot. Seek roles aligning with your skills, interests, and acceptable pay to find fulfillment.
To move into a new career, create a fresh, compelling narrative. Highlight transferable skills that could make a hiring manager believe you can cross over to this new type of role. Refresh your résumé, LinkedIn profile and social media footprint to show how you have the skills and other attributes that make you a contender for this new adventure.
If you like your boss and company, you don't have to leave to make a pivot or reinvention. You can create your own role and reinvent yourself, while remaining at your firm. There is a trend called job crafting. This is the practice of reimagining and changing the nature of your role to fit your needs, wants, desires and ambition. The Third Stage
For some, in the late-career stage, typically after 25-30 years of work, the focus shifts to reinvention and winding down. Older workers may face ageism or industries disrupted by technology. There are many who believe that they have meaningful contributions to offer, and rather not retire too early. A 2024 AARP survey found that 57% of workers over 50 plan to work past the traditional retirement age, often in new roles or consulting.
Now that you're in the late 40s, 50s, or 60s, you still feel that you have a lot to offer. Rather than slowing down, now may be the time to take your career to the next level. It could lead to your last hurrah. It's now become very common for people to work in their seventies and eighties. After all these years, you may want to finally get that position in the C-suite.