Disscussion Post

Hello, This is for Carrer Counseling class. We have discussion post, 300 words each week and we have to reply to 2 classmates post, 150 words. Please see below for this week’s discussion post topic and answer the questions below. I will post classmate post below too:

Instruction:

Hello, This week we will be exploring the work of John Krumboltz (Social Learning Theory of Career Counseling and Happenstance Theory) and Chaos Theory of Career (Jim Bright & Robert Prior).

*** HAPPENSTANCE THEORY:

John Krumboltz, a true visionary in career development who created the theory of planned happenstance.

*** Read about his theory in Chapter 2 of the text and see resources below

Krumboltz’s Social-Learning Theory of Career Counseling (SLTCC), Learning Theory of Career Counseling (LTCC), and Happenstance Theory of Career Counseling (HTCC) in 5 minutes (video)

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vYZqXks9OE

*** CHAOS THEORY of CAREERS:

Within the resources folder for this week you will find 2 articles I would like you to read for this week which introduce the concepts of Chaos Theory of Careers (CTC) and how to use this theoretical approach with clients/students (along with Jim Bright’s YouTube video linked below). This approach is based in mathematics but applies to how chance encounters can lead to change…with a bit of complexity thrown in for good measure. It fits well with Happenstance Theory, so I hope you enjoy comparing and contrasting the concepts from each during the class discussion this week. 

*** Happenstance Theory may or may not be included in this year’s version of the NCE and/or CPCE, but you will see a couple of questions regarding Chaos Theory on the Midterm Exam in this class. It is a very popular approach with undergraduate students and is well-utilized among my college career center colleagues. Here is the link to a YouTube video by Jim Bright explaining the concepts of the theory that I think you will find helpful as you explore “Chaos Theory of Careers” this week.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVGA1cQX4D4

Questions:

For this week’s discussion, please compare and contrast the elements of Happenstance Theory and Chaos Theory of Careers. Use the following questions as a guide, and feel free to add or expand the information your provide as it pertains to your understanding and application of the theories to your work with clients/students.

Which theory speaks to your own career journey and why (provide a specific example of how the theory played out in your life)?

I feel like both theory applies in my life at times. Probably I will say just in life in general Happenstance Theory but for my career Journey surprisingly I would say Chaos Theory. Growing up my mother was a social work and my father was a Capitan in military. I learned you have to work hard as a young age. most of my life I have worked 2 jobs. In 2018, my husband lived in Africa and that is when we got married. At time I already worked 2 jobs. Weeding is expensive there on the top of traveling oversea. So I had to work 3 jobs.

Currently I work only part time job because of school and internship but It was very hard to come to that acceptance. My husband had to support me many times in that decision we made together. I think the last time I did a part time job was when I was in high school.  Right now in my career and In my school journey my family have been my motivator to not quit. My parents traveled from africa to America for a better life, they left their well paid job and everything, I have to make them proud and sacrifice everything for them just like they did for us. So I believe quitting is not an option for me at all!

What elements of Happenstance overlap or compliment Chaos Theory of Careers and in what ways are they different or unique?
Give an example using a brief case of how you might use Chaos Theory of Careers with a client who is struggling with a recent loss of employment or ability that will impact their future career opportunities.
Give an example using a brief case of how you might use Happenstance Theory with a client or student who is struggling with career indecision.
If you feel so inclined, please incorporate one of the “guest” videos from the IAEVG Conference and talk about how she/he infuses aspects of the theoretical approaches being discussed this week into their work with clients/students.

Reply to Classmate post 1(HW):

Which theory speaks to your own career journey and why (provide a specific example of how the theory played out in your life)? 

The theory that speaks to my own career journey is the theory of Happenstance. I currently work at a CMHC but I took an 8 month break from this because I felt defeated with COVID and how it impacted my CMHC, so instead of being persistent and dealing with the obstacle, I quit. During those 8 months I worked in ABA therapy with children with autism, but I found that over time I came to reconnect again with my previous supervisors and coworkers at my CMHC and this had led me back to my old position.

Initially after I had quit, I did not plan to ever return. But because of the unplanned events of reconnecting with old coworkers and supervisors, I was able to communicate my previous struggles with work-life balance and the obstacle of COVID and it led me back to a place in my career where I am feeling purposeful and able to look forward to more learning opportunities and hopefully take on a role as a clinician once I graduate.

What elements of Happenstance overlap or compliment Chaos Theory of Careers and in what ways are they different or unique? 

I feel as though both theories in a way take the stance of embracing the uncertainness of a person’s career path. Both theories in their own way talk about embracing the unknown and being open-minded as to what could happen in your future. I feel that the major difference between these theories is while Happenstance tends to side more on the unknowns possibly leading you to better opportunities, Chaos theory does emphasize a little more of what you can control and how to live on the edge of chaos such as accepting change, learning from past mistakes, and taking planned risks.

Give an example using a brief case of how you might use Chaos Theory of Careers with a client who is struggling with a recent loss of employment or ability that will impact their future career opportunities. 

Coming from the perspective of a client who may be struggling with a recent loss of employment one major thing I would utilize with them is acknowledging that they have the control in that moment to set goals but also remain open-minded to new opportunities that may come their way that they did not initially expect. Other things from this theory would be to utilize adapting to the current job market and assisting them in keeping their skills up to date and being open-minded to learning new skills along the way.

Give an example using a brief case of how you might use Happenstance Theory with a client or student who is struggling with career indecision.

I once had a client when I first began my practicum who came in for struggles with her career and not knowing where she wanted to be. She was highly respected at her work and found joy in what she did but did not find joy in some people she was surrounded by. Eventually she did end up quitting and going to another company. How I might have used Happenstance Theory with her before she quit her job is advocating for her to be persistent with perceived obstacles such as not getting along with some coworkers and to focus more so on finding herself outside of her role as a worker. She was so involved in her work life that she lost her sense of identity when she was not working, so maybe assisting her in finding community activities to get involved in or finding activities to do with her friends. Under the theory that would suggest that it may lead to networking and finding a better opportunity for employment if that was the option the client would want to take.

If you feel so inclined, please incorporate one of the “guest” videos from the IAEVG Conference and talk about how she/he infuses aspects of the theoretical approaches being discussed this week into their work with clients/students. 

In the guest video with Dr. Morgan, she talks primarily about Happenstance theory. She speaks about how Happenstance theory led her to her current practice with adolescents. She spoke about how she infuses aspects of Happenstance theory into work with clients such as advocating for ongoing learning in skill development and ongoing self-assessment. She describes these as helping clients look inward at themselves to see how they could better improve themselves and their ongoing situation whether that be in their relationships in their personal lives or in their careers. She also utilizes discussions about work life balance and how there is truly never a balance, she describes it as a pendulum and relates it to describing to clients how they could at one moment be doing great at work or be really connected to their personal life, but not putting pressure on the client to make it seem like it is always a perfect balance.

Reply to Classmate post 2 (D)

Which theory speaks to your own career journey and why (provide a specific example of how the theory played out in your life)?

The Happenstance Theory is the theory that speaks to my own professional journey. I never had any specific plans for my future when I was younger. My parents encouraged my brothers and me to get good educations so that we could get good jobs that paid well and live happily ever after. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. Years passed, and I aspired to be a teacher. Nobody knew because I never said it aloud. When I moved to   Kansas City, I joined a church and volunteered in the children’s nursery. One of the nursery workers was a teacher. “Have you ever considered becoming a teacher?” she asked. “Her words pierced my heart. My decision to become a teacher was confirmed in church. Later,  I did. not realize I wanted to be a counselor until I worked in an elementary school and realized I wanted a job where I could teach all of the children in the school. That’s when I decided that becoming a counselor would allow me to teach each and every student.

What elements of Happenstance overlap or compliment Chaos Theory of Careers and in what ways are they different or unique? 

Change, creativity, innovation, and adaptability are Happenstance elements that complement Chaos Theory. These elements are what make both theories compatible. Happenstance Theory differs from Chaos Theory in that it focuses on unplanned events and opportunities in life rather than having specific plans for the future. Happenstance embraces the unknown and flows with nature. Chaos theory, on the other hand, has constraints. One small change can alter the course of the future, making it larger, more complex, and uncertain.

Give an example using a brief case of how you might use Chaos Theory of Careers with a client who is struggling with a recent loss of employment or ability that will impact their future career opportunities. 

I would use Chaos Theory with a client who is struggling with a recent job loss to help him set goals, explore other careers, and learn new skills. I would also encourage my client to spend time figuring out who they are as a person and what they like and dislike. Furthermore, I would have my client list their current skills and select which ones could be transferable to different careers.

Give an example using a brief case of how you might use Happenstance Theory with a client or student who is struggling with career indecision.

I would advise my client to try out different jobs until they find the right one for them. Attend social gatherings and discuss your career goals with new acquaintances. Networking is also a great way to meet new people and discuss your goals. This increases your chances of meeting the person who can help launch you into the career of your dreams.

Reply to Classmate post 3 (WV)

Which theory speaks to your own career journey and why (provide a specific example of how the theory played out in your life)?

I think that I have examples of each theory in my life. The planned happenstance of my career journey came when I was returning to undergraduate after a year break. I had the idea that I wanted to go into exercise science because my brother had become a PT and that seemed like a good enough option for me. When talking to my advisor, I found out that if I wanted to do this, I would need to be in school for three more years of undergrad, or I could study sociology and graduate in a year. So I began taking sociology and still felt stuck in not knowing what I wanted to do for a career. These studies challenged me in new ways and excited me, but I had no idea what I was supposed to do post graduation with such a degree. I ended up taking psychology as a minor that turned into a double major because I found it so intriguing.

What elements of Happenstance overlap or compliment Chaos Theory of Careers and in what ways are they different or unique?
Give an example using a brief case of how you might use Chaos Theory of Careers with a client who is struggling with a recent loss of employment or ability that will impact their future career opportunities.
Give an example using a brief case of how you might use Happenstance Theory with a client or student who is struggling with career indecision.
If you feel so inclined, please incorporate one of the “guest” videos from the IAEVG Conference and talk about how she/he infuses aspects of the theoretical approaches being discussed this week into their work with clients/students.