Jim Bright and Robert Pryor Chaos Theory of Careers

Group: Denis Dervisevic & Shani Hadid

What QUESTION/s or career ISSUE/s PROBLEM/s does this theory try to

answer?

The theory states that there is a chaotic nature to career development

and career development is much more complex than former theories
suggest and therefore this theory came about. This is a Career issue as
the chaotic nature and elements described in this theory make is hard for
advisors and people to make long term Consider what the theory, or
theorist MIGHT say in response to the common idea that doing what you
love means youll never have to work a day in your life** The idea of
doing what you love is not necessarily consistent with this theory. This
theory focuses on events of change and their effect on the career paths of
individual. Therefore, what a person may love now may change and have
severe reactions to his career path. Based on this doing what you love
now may not be what you love in a few years time and therefore never
working a day in your life is not achievable.

What ANSWER or ARGUMENT does the theory give to this QUESTION?

This theory suggests the 4 main factors that affect the chaos in career
development. The Factors include Complexity, Change, Chance and
Construction (Bright & Pryor, 2011). Complexity refers to multiple
influences on a person that affect their career choices in unpredictable
ways (Bright & Pryor, 2011). Change refers to reactions to change and
how these reactions affect career development, many prior theories
ignore the effect of change and therefore their theories have some
shortfalls (Bright & Pryor, 2008). Chance refers to the complexity of the
reactions of change and their effect on the system and its interactions
with other systems. Lastly, Construction refers to the opportunity for
individuals to become more active participants in their career goals rather
than follow prescribed guidelines (Bright & Pryor, 2011).

Consider what the theory, or theorist MIGHT say in response to the

common idea that doing what you love means youll never have to work
a day in your life**

Bright and Pryer (2011) articulate a nuanced and multifaceted view of

career theory. Their perspective on complexity, change and chance in
career decision-making suggests that they would contend the idea that
doing what you love means youll never have to work a day in your life.
This is because Chaos Theory involves recognizing the dynamic nature of
career development, as well as fluctuating fractal patterns, that suggest
a career condition that is not black and white. A career, suspect to the
dynamics of change, chance and complexity, will not always allow for the
feeling of never [having] to work a day in your life, despite choosing to
do what you love.

Reflect on the theory [how could it apply to your situation? do you agree
with the theory or not? why?]?
I agree with Bright and Pryers Chaos Theory as it acknowledges the complexity and
intricacies of career development in a way that many other models neglect. Careers are often
unpredictable in nature; they are subject to non-linear change, so our approach should reflect
this. Applying this to my situation, I think the construction element is very actionable and
helpful. My current career goals are multi-focused, building foundations of marketing,
musicianship and my online brand as an events performer/creative. Because of this, it is
important to consistently recognize complexity, chance and change as actively participating
parts in career development. According to the theory, an individual has the power to build his
own career, regardless of the dynamical factors; the lack of total control allows individuals to
become 'active participants in the creation of their futures'.

References:

Bright, J. E. H., & Pryor, R. G. L. (2008). Shiftwork: A Chaos Theory of

Careers agenda for change in career counselling. Australian Journal of
Career Development, 17, 6372.

Bright, J. E. H., & Pryor, R. G. L. (2011). A Chaos Theory of Careers.

Australian Journal of employment counselling, 48, 163-166