Career theorist, John Krumboltz’s planned happenstance can help address the need for individuals to deal with change in the dynamically changing labour market. At the core of the Happenstance theory is the fact that unpredictable social factors, chance events and environmental factors are important influences on the lives of individuals. For individuals to approach chance conditions and events positively, important qualities include:
- curiosity to explore learning opportunities
- persistence to deal with obstacles
- flexibility to address a variety of circumstances and events
- optimism to maximise benefits from unplanned events
Krumboltz states that individuals with these qualities are more likely to capitalise on chance events and turn serendipity into opportunity.
Other qualities helpful in career management include:
- commitment to ongoing learning and skill development
- ongoing self-assessment and feedback from others
- effective networking
- achieving work-life balance
- financial planning to incorporate periods of not being employed
#career management #career development #turning chance into opportunity