High school students – complexity, change and chance: Do the key concepts of the Chaos Theory of Careers apply?

Abstract

A key postulate of the Chaos Theory of Careers is the significant influence of change, in general, and unplanned change, in particular, on individuals’ career development. This qualitative research study investigated the perceived incident and impact of such change in the career paths of 55 high school graduates from the same class. Using a combination of interviews and surveys, the research examined the nature and extent of chance events perceived by the participants 18 months after having left school. Consistent with previous research with university students, it was found not only change in career development from plans at high school but that for 71% of the sample, such change was unplanned. Unplanned change was most substantial for those who entered the workforce while those who entered traineeships reported the least impact of unplanned change on their careers. A complex array of reasons for the changes experienced was mentioned. The results confirm this aspect of the Chaos Theory of Careers even for those with very limited post-high school career development experience. The implications for school careers education and counselling are identified.