Blog 1: Chapter 1

Brown (2012) provided a good introduction into the interlocking systems that impact career development.  For example, he explained global economy, social justice, and technology as factors contributing to employment and career development.  Chapter one sheds light on the challenges that professionals in career development need to address.

A challenge that has come about for career development is that of the global economy.   The implications of a global economy are that if a strong substantial economy in a country plummets, then it affects other countries’ economies (Brown, 2012).  When I think about the economy today I have very pessimistic thoughts (after all it is hard to find a job).   I know that as an undergraduate with a psychology degree I would need to go for further schooling in order to secure a job. As it is harder to get a job, there seems to be a variety of people settling for what job they can get and just wanting some financial stability.  In class my partner had come up with a question asking what I disliked about my previous jobs.  One of my responses was that it was not a challenge; I did not find the job meaningful.  Also, she had mentioned she felt the same way about her previous jobs.   When Brown (2012) says that people need to have meaningful jobs it really resonated with me because a job can lead to a career which is a huge part of one’s life.   As a student I want to take what I have learned, and know how to do, and apply it to my job. Such an obvious concept, yet this marriage does not always happen in real life.  Thus, it seems likely that more and more people are taking jobs that they are either overqualified for or not trained to actually do.  There skill set is not being utilized in the job they accept (Brown, 2012). 

 

Additionally, in our westernized culture we often make judgments about individual’s outward appearance. For instance, what car they drive, the house they live in, what clothes they are wearing, and so forth.  People are buying smart phones, I-pads, laptops, yet they cannot make their rent payment.   It may be hard to admit but America is materialistic.  It is possible that society has put such high expectations on parents to shower their kids (and themselves) with the latest fashion and best technology in order to look the part of a person with money.  These factors make is especially hard for individuals in unemployment, underpaid jobs, and living below the poverty level.  People who are unemployed already suffer from low self-esteem (Brown, 2012).  Then put on top of that a society that fosters beauty and materialism it becomes a downward spiral, possibly into depression.  Furthermore, if it goes as far as depression how will they get care for their mental health issue?  Will be able to obtain a job?  How long are they able to keep their job?

Lastly, the pay gap is a cold hard fact just like unemployment. If social justice and equality have been reached these differentials should not exist amongst gender and race.  Men make more money than women, and minorities are less likely to be employed than their white counterparts (Brown, 2012).  Poverty, racism, stereotypes, oppression, inequality all contribute to the existence of the glass ceiling.

Brown, D. (2012).  Career information, career counseling, and career development (10^th ed.). New York:  Pearson Education, Inc.  ISBN:  978-0132821391.