Post #9

Post #9

As the winds of Hurricane Sandy roar outside, seems like good time to blog about Career Development…before the power goes out…knock on wood. Hopefully everyone is staying dry and safe in the storm.

Chapter 6 – I chuckled a little bit when I started reading this chapter because it speaks to some of my questions from the previous week. In reading the beginning of the chapter, my mind went directly to politics. Politics touches everything – whether it is laws to protect rights or funding distribution. Our values are reflected in our politics. The section in Brown (2012) pertaining to workers with disabilities talks about all of the legislation in place that raises awareness of issues disabled workers experience and protection to facilitate and accommodate their work contributions. (I am appalled at the lack of legislation for the LGBT population. I think it is just plain wrong.) I appreciated the consideration to language that we use in referring to these individuals. I think language is important and needs to be respectful and positive. I like that the federal government changed the designation of mental retardation to intellectual disability. Even using language like health concern versus disorder can make a difference. I noticed the description of funding streams from federal government to state government for rehabilitation programs. We need to be aware of what someone is talking about exactly when they discuss spending cuts. I think counselors need to be advocates for those they serve. I also think we need to stand behind the benefit of the services we provide as contributing to the greater welfare of the society. The discussion regarding unemployment is interesting because we want people to work, but we are often unwilling to spend money in areas that stimulate return to work, job development, and education.

I minored in Women’s Studies at Penn State for my undergrad – so the section about women in the workforce was not surprising to me. I really don’t know how many women do it. I talk to many women who are juggling children and caring for adult parents. Many jobs just do not offer the flexibility needed to meet the many roles in women’s lives. I am so fortunate to have a job that is flexible. Just today I scheduled a meeting with my daughter’s teacher next week for parent teacher conference. I had to adjust my work schedule – something I do more than once every 2-3 months. I try to be as proactive as possible, but sometimes things don’t get scheduled until the last minute. It is so important to me to participate in her life and all of her events that I prioritize it over my job. It works out fine and I receive no “flack” for it – so I am very lucky.

The section for career counseling for ex-offenders in Brown (2012) answered my question about where to begin in the counseling process. I think ex-offenders have very complicated counseling needs. It is helpful to see an 8-step model.

Chapter 14 – Private practice, essentially being self-employed, is certainly a lifestyle as much as it is an occupation or job. I noticed Pennsylvania was not listed as a state that holds specific requirements for career counselors. That is unfortunate. This class highlights to me how one cannot take one class in career counseling and become a career counselor.

Reference:

Brown, D. (2012). Career information, career counseling, and career development (10^th                                    ed.). New York: Pearson Education, Inc.