There are several career theories which can be applied to the field of education and I asked a colleague who recently published an academic handbook about careers to share his views about his new concept of what he terms, sustainable career ecosystems. In particular I wanted to know his views when career plans fail and what could be done in the education field.
Sustainable careers involve indicators such as employability, financial security, well-being, and productivity while the concept of a career ecosystem whereby involves various professionals who rely on each other. This is not about individual success only, but about the success of the organizations and social systems. All these concepts are based on a range of theories developed by a body of European academics with different traditions from American writers where career and well-being providers are already popular at the individual level.
Mainly, sustainable careers ecosystems are based on the concept of a career shock which are unforeseen circumstances and impacts an individual’s career. Individuals may experience pre-career shocks, when their education is disrupted for lack of resources or public crisis, or perhaps when their employers rescinded employment contracts. Career shocks can be positive (e.g. an unepxected promotion) and what can initially be a negative career shock can turn out to be a positive career shock in the longer term. For example, when unemployment enables an individual to leave a toxic workplace and find a better work environment, perhaps pivoting to a different job or sector that gives them a sense of meaning and purpose.
Therefore the concern with these career theories is how to mitigate career shocks where individuals need to be supported more than ever in navigating various career transitions. Subsequently, feelings of remote and at a distance from reality about our own career plans become realistic and feasible plans but we need to understand and work on the benefits of a sustainable career ecosystem.
In Europe the struggle is to require the support from accredited professionals, and national governments to invest in ensuring the supply of professionals to meet the increasing demands for these services. In the US many educated individuals are already familiar with such support, however there are changes as these services can be tailored, personalized and available to all across one’s lifespan. It may be a necessary but worthy investment both from institutions and governments in a more accessible education through the value of a sustainable career ecosystem.