Week 6, Bloch article

When I first read the Bloch article, I had no idea what the author was talking about.  But when I got to the section of ‘applying the principles to complex adaptive entities to careers’, it began to make sense.  I think it’s important that people continually reinvent their careers, because otherwise we get bored and have that “I’m stuck” thought.   In the case study presented about Marion, she gained more experience and accepted more leadership positions in her field, but later found she was no longer happy.  She missed the client interaction.  This is an example of how her career was constantly reinventing. 

            As I have mentioned in previous posts, and as this article also discussed, a person’s career is a “fractal” of that person’s entire life experience.  That’s why careers give some people meaning.  There is a dynamic relationship between our lives and our careers; one is constantly influencing and affecting the other. 

            One of the author’s points was the phase transitions between order and chaos.  I think almost everyone has experienced this transition at some point.  It’s something many struggle with, especially after high school or college graduation.  It’s that scary feeling of going from knowing what you are doing, to chaos and uncertainty.  This made me wonder if these are the times when people seek help from career counselors, because it is such a chaotic time.

            Once again, we were faced with the idea of happenstance in this article, and even spirituality.  The author described these events as nonlinear dynamics.  Some career decisions happen through these events, and by examining it, we can see how decisions emerge. 

            I am the type of person who always wants to know why someone chose a particular career.  I want to hear that moment or event of happenstance.  Or even the random, small events that lead to a career decision or major shift.  The choices of each individual may not always make sense to us, but it doesn’t matter; as long as it’s understood in terms of that individual. 

           Some of the implications for practice listed are repeated from other article we have read.  An important one is looking for themes in a client’s life; finding links in their stories and networks.  Another good point is that of reducing the client’s discomfort felt when change occurs.  Clients should also understand that a huge, quick, change is not necessary.  Sometimes, small changes are best and easier to adjust to, because change is inevitable.  And lastly, counselors need to recognize the spiritual aspect of work, and help the client see the opportunities presented during phase transitions. 

Although Bloch’s concepts were confusing to me at first, I think she made some very valid and important points. 

Bloch, D. P. (2005). Complexity, chaos, and nonlinear dynamics: A new perspective on career development theory. The Career Development Quarterly, 53, 194-207.