Chapters 6 and 14

Brown stated that some sources say up to 20% of the population falls under the label of disabled (Brown, 2012, p. 118).  That is 1 in 5 potential workers!  My coworkers and I have had more than one conversation about what it would be like to be a full time teacher with a disability.  Of course we have teachers who injure themselves from time to time and have temporary disabilities and we have a colleague who walks with a permanent limp due to a leg injury.  We also have a co-worker who has only one arm, but most of us are healthy, and work is still overwhelming at times.  There are days when I don’t know how anyone can make it through the day in one piece, let alone someone with a disability.  I commend those individuals who do fight through the challenges and persevere through the obstacles to follow their dreams and contribute to society through work.

The section devoted to women in the workforce is of special interest to me, as a woman who would like to help empower other women and teenage girls to pursue their passions in their career search.  In day to day life, there seems to be a shift where many women are the bread winners for their families and it is more acceptable for men to stay home to care for the home and children.  However, when you look at men and women’s wages statistically, there is still a solid divide in the types of occupations and salaries earned by men and women.  It makes me wonder about the question I have heard argued so many times: “Can women have the best of both worlds – a career and a family?”  I’m sure there are many factors, but it seems like children and families take a big toll on women’s careers during a critical period where men are advancing and being promoted.

To be honest, I believe (or believed) some of the myths Brown listed in regards to older workers.  It was neat for me to read his list of truths regarding each myth and re-evaluate what I believe.  My mom and aunt both retired two years ago after over 35 years of working in the same job.  Within several months of retirement, both were working in new, exciting part time positions.  They were both overqualified for their new positions, but loved the flexibility of choosing when they wanted to work and the challenge of learning something new.  They also both enjoyed being around younger people in their work environments because of the energy and youthfulness these younger co-workers added to their lives. 

In brief, I think career counseling is about empowering individuals, whether they are disabled or abled, women or men, older or younger, and regardless of their past.  Counseling is a process of sharing knowledge and educating people about the truths that exist within the world of work.

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