The Six Career Stages
As a Jobhunter, you will go through six career stages in your life to achieve fulfillment.
The journey is neither easy nor automatic. You may need to make detours.
Many jobhunters don't make it to the later career stages. They feel stuck.
You can plan ahead, make the right moves, and take bold decisions.
You achieve mastery. You transform yourself. You don't fall into the Traps.
In your later career stage, you renew yourself and find a new path.
The Fulfilling Stage is achievable. You can leave a legacy for others.
Why Six?
In my research, the traditional career development theory indicates that people go through five stages in their careers:
Growth, Exploration, Establishment, Maintenance, and Decline
Personally, I think the model needs to evolve to fit the modern world.
In their bestseller, The 100-Year Life, Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott propose that we need to prepare for a longer life.
Our finances need to allow us to live beyond 80 years old. We need to plan for different stages of our lives. Work does not need to be frantic or wearying.
It can be a fulfilling and meaningful activity.
We can regularly recharge ourselves to have the stamina to go further.
Humans will live longer and healthier.
We need to work beyond the standard retirement age.
This line of thought forms the fundamental premise for my book.
Summary of the Six Career Stages
Stage 1: Discovering
You are ignited
Your follow your passion
You take up internships
You are open to experimenting
Beware of the Procrastination Trap
Stage 2: Mastering
You develop a Red Line
You perform drills in your job
You learn from the best in class
You invest time in learning
Beware of the Autopilot Trap
Stage 3: Transforming
You metamorphosize
You change your profession
You take a new assignment
You make a relocation
Betware of the Play-It-Safe Trap
Stage 4: Leading
You identify areas that you can lead
Humility is the starting point
Leadership is forged in fire
You become a role model.
You build your influence
Beware of the Big Title Trap
Stage 5: Renewing
It starts from the mind
You create a new identity
You find new priorities in life
You become a mentor
Beware of the Retirement Trap
Stage 6: Fulfilling
You start with the end in mind
You work on your bucket list
You dedicate your life to a profession
You become a coach/consultant
You leave a legacy
Beware of the Dopamine Trap