How can you overcome career barriers and setbacks using the Planned Happenstance Theory?

1 What is the Planned Happenstance Theory?

The Planned Happenstance Theory is a career development model that was proposed by John Krumboltz and his colleagues in 1999. It suggests that you can create and benefit from unexpected or unplanned events in your career, rather than trying to predict or control them. The theory is based on the idea that most career opportunities are not planned, but rather result from chance, luck, or serendipity. Therefore, instead of following a rigid or linear career path, you can embrace uncertainty and explore various possibilities.

2 How can you apply the Planned Happenstance Theory to your career?

The Planned Happenstance Theory does not mean that you should leave everything to chance or have no goals at all. Rather, it means that you should be flexible, adaptable, and proactive in creating and seizing opportunities that arise in your career. To do this, the theory suggests that you develop five key skills: curiosity, persistence, flexibility, optimism, and risk-taking. These skills can help you cope with change, overcome challenges, and discover new options.

3 How can curiosity help you overcome career barriers and setbacks?

Curiosity is the skill of being interested in and open to new experiences, information, and people. It can help you overcome career barriers and setbacks by motivating you to learn new things, expand your network, and seek feedback. Curiosity can also help you generate new ideas, find new solutions, and identify new opportunities. For example, if you lose your job, you can use your curiosity to research new industries, contact new contacts, and enroll in new courses.

5 How can flexibility help you overcome career barriers and setbacks?

Flexibility is the skill of being adaptable and willing to change your plans, strategies, or perspectives according to changing circumstances, needs, or opportunities. It can help you overcome career barriers and setbacks by allowing you to adjust to new situations, embrace uncertainty, and explore different options. Flexibility can also help you avoid being stuck in a rut, broaden your horizons, and discover new passions. For example, if you face a personal challenge that affects your work, you can use your flexibility to modify your schedule, seek support, and prioritize your well-being.

6 How can optimism help you overcome career barriers and setbacks?

Optimism is the skill of being positive and hopeful about the future, regardless of the present difficulties or uncertainties. It can help you overcome career barriers and setbacks by boosting your confidence, motivation, and morale. Optimism can also help you cope with negative emotions, focus on the bright side, and envision positive outcomes. For example, if you encounter a problem at work, you can use your optimism to see it as a challenge, not a threat, and to believe that you can overcome it.

7 How can risk-taking help you overcome career barriers and setbacks?

Risk-taking is the skill of being courageous and willing to try new things, even if they involve uncertainty, failure, or rejection. It can help you overcome career barriers and setbacks by encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone, take action, and seize opportunities. Risk-taking can also help you grow, learn, and innovate. For example, if you have a new idea, you can use your risk-taking to pitch it, test it, and refine it.

The Planned Happenstance Theory can help you overcome career barriers and setbacks by changing your mindset and developing your skills. By applying this theory to your career, you can turn challenges into opportunities, and create your own luck.

8 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?