Career development theorist John Krumboltz thinks not. In his book “Luck is no Accident”, he explores the use of Happenstance theory and advocates taking action in order to create our own luck and generate career opportunities. Most people’s careers have evolved as life events unfolded and particular experiences influenced them rather than being the result of careful and linear career planning. How many of us have stumbled upon an opportunity by chance or changed career due to life experience?
Happenstance theory does not suggest we leave career and employment decisions to chance but rather that we capitalise on chance events in order to generate opportunities. Here are some of the ideas that I particularly like about Krumboltz work that can be helpful for career changers and job seekers.
Be alert:
Actively seek information about possible openings. Take the initiative to start conversations, get involved in new groups, attend events or find wider sources of information. Keep your eyes and ears always open regarding potential opportunities.
Be open:
Be open to different opportunities, if you hear about a job prospect don’t say no unless you have fully explored it in detail – including where it may potentially lead you.
Take action:
Taking action is often the challenging part but yet new ideas or information are of no use to us unless we take some action to see where it may lead. Take a step- by-step process to taking action. Making that phone call or starting that conversation may be difficult but if we do nothing the opportunity can be lost.
In taking some action we can have a hand in creating opportunities.
If you are experiencing obstacles to taking action consider making an appointment to discuss. (086 3701791)
Source: Luck is no accident, by, John D. Krumboltz Ph.D. & Al. S. Levin, Ed.D.