A recent trip toward the N.C. mountains showcased brilliant colors of falling leaves. I found myself thinking, “What’s next this year? What’s in store after the leaves have turned and the wind has blown away their brilliance?”

Each season brings its own special wonderment, an air of anticipation of the unknown. Each spring we celebrate the end of winter and look forward to a fun-filled summer. In autumn we celebrate relief from the heat and prepare for the chill of winter.

Interestingly enough, parallels can be drawn between seasonal changes and the lifecycle of our careers.

Ponder these questions: What season am I currently in with my career? And what steps should I take to prepare for the next change?

Here are some suggested steps:

1. Budding careers are synonymous with Spring. Selecting a college, choosing a major and a career - all this brings excitement and anticipation. The world is your oyster. The thirst for knowledge is unquenchable and learning is ever present.

But the winds of spring blow in many directions. Because this season marks the beginning of what could be a rewarding career, select carefully that school, that major, that first job.

Use every resource available to gather information, make decisions and establish a strong foundation. Talk with teachers, mentors, managers, family members and friends.

Spring is the season to create your career plan and chart your course. The more knowledge you have, the more likely you are to choose a path that is right for you.

2. Summer careers are marked with hard work, long hours and outstanding performance. You have worked a few years and have gained some hands-on experience.

It’s not unusual in this stage to begin thinking, “Is this all there is? There has to be more to life than working a 9 to 5 each day!” Or, you may have reasoned, “I must continue to pursue this path since I’ve now begun to accomplish my initial goals.”

Remember, this is summer and you don’t have to settle. Now is the time to take a holistic view of your life. There is still time to adjust your plan and change your direction. Make sure you’re meeting the goals of the entire person. Are you waiting for 5 p.m. each day to begin the life you enjoy? If so, now is your wake-up call.

3. Layoffs, early retirement and mid-life crisis, complete with the proverbial red sports car, epitomize careers in their Fall season. Even with the best-laid plans, careers often don’t work out as planned. Now what?

The air is still filled with the winds of change, but the number of years left to work is limited. This is the time to take stock of your options and choose wisely. You may need to reinvent yourself and consider a totally new career.

Personally, I have recently experienced this phase. Even though it was scary at first, reinvention is rejuvenating. I took stock of my experiences, education, passions and dreams, and then I researched occupations that combined all of these experiences into something that is new. (Like writing this online coaching column ;-)

Coaches, mentors, peers, former bosses, customers, clients -- they all offer interesting insight into what you do best. When fall is your career season, an objective self-assessment and/or external assessment are great career tools of the day.

4. Seasoned, experienced, confident, resourceful: These are words that describe a Winter career. But winter is not the end; it is a season where lifelong learning and experiences can move you forward.

I recently read that due to the economic downturn, Baby Boomers will work longer than their parents. “Working smarter, not harder” just may be the mantra for this phase.

New graduates offer a fresh and innovative approach, so build a relationship with someone who is younger than you. Maintain existing relationships with former peers, bosses, customers and clients; seasoned professionals bring experiences and insights.

During this season, often it’s not just about you. The ultimate fulfillment of your passions may be realized by helping those who are in their Spring season. Though your circle is now complete, for someone else, it’s just beginning.

The season is changing…..are you directing your winds of change?

Della B. Cauley, president of Best Innovative Consulting Inc. in Charlotte, specializes in career counseling and executive coaching. Visit her Web site at www.bestinnovativeconsulting.com.

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