Your career will span decades so visualize it as it develops over the years.

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 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. A career runs the gamut from starting to work 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 2025 LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report found

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