How career advice evolves through life

Like life in general, career planning can be different depending on your age.

While some of the strategies to achieve goals may be the same throughout your life — effective communication, for example — the goals can be distinct. Here is advice from career and leadership coaches Freda Marver, Leonard Lang, Meredith Moore Crosby and Cindy Edwards.

20sExploration is key while financial obligations and family ties are not as substantial.

Gain experience within your field. Ask for different types of assignments. Ask to work with different people. That way, you can test what type of position you would like.

Find mentors; learn to recognize a good boss.

Find good networking groups to learn more about your field or about leadership in general.

30s

Learn how to change work rhythms to achieve work/life balance.

Don’t be afraid to look for a new job for better opportunities or more money.

Figure out your long-term goals, if you need more education to achieve them or if you need to switch careers or employers.

Take advantage of your networking groups both in person and on LinkedIn. Ask trusted members to keep you up to date on job opportunities within their organizations.

40s and early 50s

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