In Sydney, people seek career counsellors for a variety of reasons.

Exploratory clients ( Aged 17-27 )
People starting their careers and who are concerned about their place in the workforce and how to negotiate early career decisions.

Transition Clients ( Aged 28-39)
May have had a trial and error approach to career changes or may be floundering. They are typically viewed as meeting the expectations of society and family and not necessarily in roles that they really want to be in. Often they present with just knowing that what they are doing doesn’t feel right but they don’t know what else to do or they feel trapped because of the salary or other factors and are wanting to explore what their options might be for the next stage of their careers.

Mid Life Clients ( Aged 39-52)
Are usually fairly advanced in their career but may be on a holding pattern or stagnating in their positions and are ready to make changes more in line with their sense of self. People in this bracket are often quite successful in their chosen path but increasingly feeling burnt out either with the role, industry or corporate life in general. Often they can be people who fell into jobs, careers, industries without a lot of planning but have not felt the need to review their career until now.

Pre Retirement – Retirement Clients ( Aged 52 – 72)
Are ready to begin thinking about disengagement from the workforce. They may be confused by the myriad possibilities around the corner or may be feeling a sense of despair or dread.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald June 3-4 2006