Week 2

I recall taking assessments in the past that utilized Holland’s theory.  I actually really like his theory.  Assessments I have taken have been fairly accurate in evaluating my personality type.  This can be a very helpful tool in helping someone to explore career options.  I also like that there is usually a three-letter code used, since most of us do not fit into just one type. 

This leads me into my next thought of how everyone is different.  I like the point made on page 47, #13.  We shouldn’t assume that everyone would be happy in a managerial job, as a doctor, a lawyer, etc.  How could someone possibly be happy with boring monotonous factory work?  Truth is, there are people out there who enjoy this type of work.  I’m even a little envious in that when they leave work every day, they actually leave work and can check out.  Many of us go home and continue to think about our day, take work home with us, whether we try to or not.  Mentally, we have not clocked out.  Boring, monotonous work may be unchallenging, but not everyone wants a challenge.  If that job brings them satisfaction, lets them be who they want to be, do the things they want to do, and think of themselves as they wish to think, that is what’s important (Brown, 2012). 

The next point I want to discuss is the remark made in #14 on page 47: “that most adults are what they do- the individual is a reflection of that person’s job or major role” (Brown).  Is this a result of our individualistic culture?  When meeting someone for the first time, one of the first questions asked is, “What do you do?”  When someone answers, we automatically get an idea of what that person might be like; a schema.  In collectivistic cultures, I don’t believe they define people by what they do for a living.  Sometimes, I don’t want to tell people I am a Clinical Psychology student, because I know the ideas they might develop, and think I am “analyzing them.”  And I really don’t want to hear about their problems, or diagnose them or someone they know, as it’s not my place to.  However, I do think our jobs represent us, and they probably will if we are satisfied with the job. 

Brown, D. (2012).  Career information, career counseling, and career development

            (10^th ed.).  New York: Pearson Education, Inc.