There are four stages of career growth: Skills, Expertise, Structure, and Legacy.
Skills
At this stage, you’re aggressively developing your knowledge and abilities. You typically don’t have much disposable income.
This is because after meeting your basic expenses if you’re wise, you spend what’s left on additional certifications, degrees, and cultural exposure.
Expertise
Now you’re a high-earning professional. You’ve parlayed your skills into a great paying role or business and you are in demand. Your focus is on maximizing your productive years and reaping the fruit of earlier investments in self-development.
You often work late and travel a lot, depending on the role. For instance, for management consultants, this is when you double down on making partners.
Structure
At this point, your intention is to translate your earnings into enduring investments and assets.
If you’re an entrepreneur, you’re obsessed with putting in place systems & structures; and hiring competent staff, so you’re not the only rainmaker or executor. You’re trying to free up time and scale up the business so you can pursue greater ideas and opportunities
Legacy
Your businesses or investments are now running like well-oiled machines. You have enough to live on and so you work because you enjoy it, not because you need the money.
The main focus is mission and purpose – doing big things and tackling hard problems. It could also be family or prioritizing joy.
It’s useful for everyone to identify what stage of career they are in. And, what is needed to move to the next one.
My coaching practice teaches organizations, entrepreneurs, and individuals how to craft individual or company career development plans.
For more, please read Read a lot and Take Work Home
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