Dr. Steven Lindner, an executive of a leading think tank recruitment services firm, shares his thoughts about the different stages one goes through in each age category when it comes to career life.
As the demographic composition changes in the U.S almost every year, employers are often challenged when it comes to managing multiple generations in one working environment.
Currently, the generational groups being represented under Lindner's are as follows:
- When in your 20s - This is the age of experimenting where workers can get a free pass on changing careers often because they are still unsure of what they want to really do. You may not be in your 20s, but if this is you then you may want to try roles that appeal to you. Professionals in this generation want to be defined for what they are passionate about. S"ometimes, it's not about the money. It's more about the cause".
- When in your 30s - This is the time when individuals start assessing if they are where they want to be and if they don't like where they are then they tend to change things up. It's best to map out career goals for the next 5 to 7 years and connect the dots between your goals and skills. If you believe that a career change is what you need because your skills don't match your goals, then plan strategically.
- When in your 40s - People in this group tend to build and establish their careers as subject matter experts. A manager can start building his profile as a consultant when it comes to managing people, or something along those lines, for example. Or you may be wanting a senior leadership role. The company you are with should be invested in you - should help you grow and challenge you. If not, then you're not nurturing your expertise and career.
- When in your 50s and 60s - At this point in time, people tend to think like they were in their 20s and 30s. Some may want to go back to school and learn new things or transition to a different type of career. It may be that time where you see an opportunity and you may want to take it because this is the time to pursue what matters to you before you plan on retiring to the sunny islands with a margarita. It's never to late to make a career change.
The ages identified here matters if you're an employer where it is critical for supervisors and managers to know how to take care of their employees. If you've identified yourself in a certain group but are not technically within that age bracket, it's okay. Demographics change. What's important is you have the willingness and desire to learn - as detailed in Lindner's contribution.
