Title | Chaos Theory of Careers: Standing Out Not Fitting In |
| Author(s) | - Jim E.H. Bright, School of Education, Faculty of Education and Arts, Australian Catholic University, Australia
- Robert G.L. Pryor, Congruence Pty Ltd., Australia
- Olivia Pennie, Become Education, Australia
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| Publication Name | Asia Pacific Career Development Journal, Vol 5, No 2 |
| Publication Date | September, 2022 |
| Download | Full text (PDF) |
| Abstract | The history of the chaos theory of careers is presented in the context of a critique of many extant practices that have dominated the field. The practice of matching models and attendant psychometric interests testing is critically evaluated, and the premises underlying such approaches are explored and questioned. The importance of narratives and stories is explored and considered in terms of complementarity rather than competition with other approaches. It is argued that the field of career development, as a whole, still has a long way to go in terms of fully appreciating the inherent nature of change, complexity, and attendant uncertainty. It is argued that this is essential if the field is to develop appropriate methods of counselling and education that take into account these realities, and that so doing has significant implications for current and future practice, methods, and tools. The paper concludes with a practical example of how the chaos theory of careers can be employed in innovative and effective career education. |
