Luck is not an accident. The power of Happenstance.

Has everything in your career been well planned? Or is your career an outcome of things which just HAPPENED?

I’ve never planned to be a recruiter.?

??While completing my psychology degree I was ready to become a soft skills trainer (now I see how badly suited this job was for me!). Then one job and another led me to where I’m now.?

??On the contrary, I’ve wanted to live in London since I was a teenager. And it somehow happened. It has never been a part of my master plan though.

I’ve always seen luck in my career journey playing an important role. John Krumboltz & Al Levin say that actually ‘luck is not an accident’.

These two psychologists coined a theory called Planned Happenstance. They encourage us to see things happening in our lives as opportunities.

As much as we have limited control over things happening to us (for instance: layoffs or serious illness), we can stay in control when it comes to embracing job opportunities: growing our network, talking to others, treating some (unpleasant) events as a opportunity not a failure etc.

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The key takeaways from their theory which can be useful for job seekers:

• Keep your options open, keep seeing opportunities, and be aware of what’s around you.
• Keep trying, even with the cost of rejection. If you’re not trying, you’re simply losing opportunities.?
• Embrace the change and be adaptable. Say YES when you can, but not only because you don’t have a choice.

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PS. I

Why did I put a Gherkin photo as a cover photo? If you HAPPEN to be in London, you must visit this public rooftop (120 Fenchurch) with an absolutely breathtaking view of the city. Seeing this enormous city from the birdeye gave a me new perspective for seeing the opportunities.

PS. II

If you're keen on learning more about Happenstance, read an awesome book of John D.Krumboltz PhD and Al Levin EdD, which also was an inspiration to this article.