How Can Chaos Theory of Careers Help Youth Determine Their Future Career Options?
Youth face complex and uncertain paths to employment. The challenges can be compounded by poverty, mental health, family instability, and limited school attendance, among other factors. Traditional career planning often feels inadequate. Thus, the linear ‘career ladder’ model can’t apply. The Reboot Plus program provides vulnerable youth an opportunity to look to at the Chaos Theory of Careers (CTC) to acknowledge unpredictability and the non-linear nature of career development.
What Is the Chaos Theory of Careers?
The Chaos Theory of Careers challenges traditional career planning asserting that 
careers are subject to constant change. The main ideas are:
- Career development is not a straightforward journey; it is influenced by personal growth, unforeseen events, and a broader social context.
- While individuals can plan and set goals, unexpected twists and turns should be expected.
- CTC encourages openness to opportunities, flexibility in decision-making, and resilience in the face of setbacks.
In, Embracing chaos empowers students to leap into career planning “Career development has a chaotic vibe that can excite students. Students [will] make multiple career changes, not just job changes, so there are really no wrong choices.”
How Does Reboot Plus Apply the Chaos Theory of Careers?
By integrating the Chaos Theory of Careers into its program, Reboot Plus helps young people navigate the world with increased confidence and adaptability. Here’s how the program puts CTC into practice:
- Embracing Uncertainty and Openness to Opportunities
- Participants are taught to embrace uncertainty in career exploration. They can see unexpected opportunities as valuable steps toward their goals.
- Participants with particular career interests are matched with professionals to learn, first-hand, what a career is really like.
- Focusing on Small, Meaningful Actions
- Participants attend classes at local college to expose them to post-secondary learning environments
- Participants are encouraged to attend in a way that suits their schedule and needs
- Participants work on self-reflection and career exploration
- Networking with professionals is a requirement of the program
- Adapting to Change with Resilience
- Challenges are seen as opportunities for growth rather than failures.
- Students reflect on what they learned from perceived failures.
- Building a Dynamic and Flexible Career Plan
- Rather than a linear path, participants create dynamic career plans that are adaptable to change. A participant may shift from planning a career in healthcare to exploring opportunities in the nonprofit sector.
Why the Chaos Theory of Careers Works for Youth
Youth today face unprecedented levels of uncertainty in the job market due to:
- Technological advancements
- Economic shifts
- Societal changes
The Chaos Theory of Careers works for youth because it reflects their realities of unpredictability and constant change. Reboot Plus provides participants with the tools to navigate their careers effectively. The key is to develop a mindset that moves through chaos:“[young people should] embrace change, understand change, and thrive and survive on change.“. By aligning career exploration with the ever-changing nature of the future, Reboot Plus prepares youth for success in a world where change is the only constant.
With funding from the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre, we are examining whether a hope-centred education and career development program can help youth find their purpose.
Le projet Reboot Plus est financé par le Centre des Compétences futures du gouvernement du Canada