You should grab work promotions in your 30s and don't fall for one fatal career mistake in your 60s, according to a career expert.

Melissa Stone, 43 - a HR professional with more than 20 years of experience - has revealed the biggest hang ups most of experience in our careers at every decade.

And the career coach has revealed her top tips for overcoming hiccups and job worries at each age.

She says your late teens and early 20s are about learning the ropes - from teamwork to handling horrible bosses.

Melissa said use these lessons to build resilience, confidence and an understanding of what poor leadership looks like - and smash self-doubt and go for promotions in your 30s.

She said that the typical career challenge when you are in your forties and beyond is feeling unhappy or frustrated with progression.

Melissa said if you're feeling lost at this stage in your career you should consider exploring a career move.

The executive career coach and HR director, from from County Wexford, Ireland, said: "[In your 20s] you might envy peers who seem to have that clarity, but there's no right or wrong way to navigate your career journey. "

"Take any job that interests you and consider working abroad to experience different cultures and overcome language barriers. "

"From working for an unappreciative boss with unrealistic expectations to understanding how hard you should be working, your late teens and early twenties are the time to learn the ropes. "

"Use it to build resilience, develop the confidence to say 'no'"

trust in your ability to say 'yes'.

"By your forties or fifties, you may find yourself seriously considering a career change. "

"Maybe it's been on your mind for some time, and you've reached a point where you simply can't shake the feeling any longer. "

"This is completely normal. As we grow and evolve, so do our passions, interests, and what fulfils us professionally. It's common to realise that what once brought you great joy no longer has the same effect."


20s - Be brave enough to change your occupation if you don't love it.

When people get into their mid-twenties, Melissa said the typical challenge is a lack of focus.

She said it is important to take time to reflect on what brings fulfilment and happiness at work - and accept it's time to refocus and explore other options.

Melissa said: "You'll also have a clearer sense of the type of work and environment that challenges, motivates, and fulfils you. "

"If you've realised that your chosen career path isn't working out, don't ignore that feeling. Accept reality and refocus on what will make you happy."

"If you're feeling lost, take the time to reflect on what brings you happiness and fulfilment. "

"Accept it's time to refocus and explore courses, step outside your comfort zone, and expand your network to uncover new career opportunities."


30s - Stop worrying "what if" - go for that promotion."

By the time people get into their mid-thirties, Melissa said that people are generally stuck in their "comfort zone"."

She said that people need to stop worrying about the "what ifs" and go after that promotion or pivot to something completely knew."

Melissa said: "Many people find themselves plateauing in their thirties, either eager to progress but unsure how, or possessing the right skills and tools, but lacking the confidence to take action. "

"Over time, this can chip away at self-belief, leaving you stuck in your comfort zone for too long and well into your next decade."

"If you feel like you're not reaching your potential, stop worrying about the "what ifs." Go after that promotion."


40s AND 50s - It's never too late to change career path.

When people get into their forties and fifties, Melissa said that people often find themselves seriously considering a career change.

She emphasises the fact it is never too late to change careers, no matter what decade you are in.

"By your forties or fifties, you may find yourself seriously considering a career change," Melissa said."

"Maybe it's been on your mind for some time, and you've reached a point where you simply can't shake the feeling any longer - This is completely normal. "

"As we grow and evolve, so do our passions, interests, and what fulfils us professionally. It's common to realise that what once brought you great joy no longer has the same effect."

"Alternatively, you may still love your career in your forties or fifties but feel you're missing key leadership and communication tools that could help you to earn more money, home in on your leadership skills, or achieve the level of career success you may be missing."


60s - Consider life after retirement - but don't let yourself fade into the background.

"In your 60s you've earned the freedom to choose how you want to spend your time and energy, whether that's moving to part-time work, mentoring younger people in your field of expertise, or pursuing a passion that you've been putting off for years. "

"60 is the new 40, so don't fall into the trap of thinking you're "old" and allow yourself to fade into the background too soon."

"If you're sick of dealing with a difficult boss or feel like there's nowhere left to grow, consider consulting or advisory roles for the next few years. "

"A lot of people at this stage consider joining a Charity Board of Directors and giving back to the community, especially if they have decided to retire and want a new challenge or focus."

CHALLENGES YOU WILL FACE AT EACH STAGE IN YOUR CAREER:
Late teens and early twenties: Learning the ropes
Mid-twenties: Lack of focus
Thirties: Stuck in your comfort zone
Forties and beyond: Accepting less than you want