The article “Complexity, Chaos, and Nonlinear Dynamics: A
New Perspective on Career Development Theory” states that the only certainty is
change (Bloch, 2005, p. 205). This
concept is true as nothing in this world stays the same forever. This theory seems to be the most realistic,
recognizing that change occurs, but one must accept change and adapt to align
it with their own interests and needs. I
also agree with the idea that everything is connected. The author states that all events are tied to
one another in the universe (Bloch, 2005, p. 196). This is true as everything we do in our lives
creates a rippling effect that affects everything else. For example, a person may choose to interview
for a position in a nearby city in which they are hired for the job. Perhaps they do not like the commute to their
new job which causes them to relocate.
Now they are further away from their family and supports, which makes
them unhappy. They also had to sell
their house and need to rent a storage unit for their furniture, etc. The possible outcomes and effects caused by
the simple decision to interview for a job are endless. Essentially, everything we do is connected, and that idea cannot be
dismissed.
Additionally, I related to the idea that phase
transitions are the opportune time for one to be creative and seek new forms
(Bloch, 2005, p. 197). It makes logical
sense that creativity should occur when a transition is taking place. It is during a transition or a time of change
that a person has the chance to alter things in their life, job, career, etcetera
that they are unhappy about. If a person
is unhappy, sitting back and not changing anything during a period of
transition creates complacency in their unhappiness. A person needs to be willing to be creative
and try new things in order to change their current story and feelings of melancholy.
In relation to the case study example, I was able to
relate it to a situation in my life. At
my previous job I was happy and content being a social worker helping families
with their struggles. I enjoyed the daily
challenges and the detailed work with families.
As I began to get “seasoned” so to speak, my supervisor and manager
began piling more and more work on me.
My caseload skyrocketed, I was assigned the toughest cases, and their
support and assistance was devoted elsewhere to new workers while I was left
fatigued, exhausted, and unsupported.
After two years I was burned out, and I realized that the job was no
longer meeting my needs. It wasn’t
because I didn’t want to help families and be a social worker, but it was
because the environment no longer fit. I
took advantage of this realization, as did Marion in the example, and I sought
different employment within the same field.
Currently, I have a smaller caseload which causes less stress, and I
have continued support from my supervisor and director. Realizing what you need to change during a
period of transition is the key to finding what makes you happy.
References
Bloch, D. P. (2005). Complexity, chaos, and
nonlinear dynamics: A new perspective on career development theory. The Career Development Quarterly, 53(3), 194-207.
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