3.1 Career development and management Flashcards
the concept of a career
A career is a long-term professional journey or path that involves a series of related work experiences, roles, and growth opportunities. It typically reflects an individual’s skills, interests, values, and aspirations, and may span various industries or fields over time.
A career is not just a job or a series of jobs but an ongoing process of personal and professional development, where one can build expertise, take on increasing responsibility, and align work with broader life goals. It often involves pursuing advancement, acquiring new knowledge, and adapting to changes in the job market.
career to refer to a specific role or trade, such as teacher, doctor, lawyer, hairstylist or carpenter.
the concept of work/life balance
Work-life balance refers to the equilibrium between the time and energy dedicated to work and personal life, including family, hobbies, rest, and personal well-being.
It emphasizes the need to manage both professional responsibilities and personal needs in a way that reduces stress, prevents burnout, and promotes overall health and happiness.
Achieving work-life balance means setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring that neither work nor personal life overwhelms the other. This balance can vary for each individual, depending on their values, goals, and circumstances.
· the changing nature of work/life balance over a lifespan
Changing Nature of Work-Life Balance Over a Lifespan
1. Early Career (20s–30s)
Focus on career growth, establishing skills, and gaining experience.
Work often takes priority, leading to work-life imbalance.
2. Mid-Career (30s–50s)
Shifting priorities with family, health, and personal life becoming more important.
Work-life balance becomes more intentional, seeking flexibility.
3. Late Career (50s–60s)
Reduced work focus, preparing for retirement.
Desire for more leisure time and meaningful work.
4. Post-Retirement (70s and beyond)
Work no longer a priority; focus shifts to personal time, health, and hobbies.
Reinvented balance with more time for rest and relaxation.
· the importance of managing own career and work/life balance
Managing your career and work-life balance is essential for long-term success, well-being, and personal fulfillment. By actively guiding your career development, you can increase job satisfaction, security, and adaptability. Balancing work with personal time helps prevent burnout, reduce stress, and improve overall health, productivity, and relationships. It also creates space for personal growth, self-care, and pursuing passions outside of work.
the use of self-management strategies, including: § self-reflection § goal setting § time management
self-management
refers to your ability to manage
your actions, feelings and thoughts
productively and effectively. This
skill is important in the workplace,
directly impacting productivity,
efficiency and collaboration.
Self-Reflection
Understanding Strengths and Weaknesses: Regular self-reflection allows you to assess your actions, behaviors, and emotions, helping you understand your strengths and areas for improvement. This awareness leads to better decision-making and personal growth.
Aligning with Values and Goals: By reflecting on your experiences, you can evaluate whether your actions align with your personal values and long-term aspirations. This helps you stay focused on what truly matters to you.
Learning from Experience: Self-reflection fosters continuous learning. By reviewing both successes and setbacks, you can adjust your approach and avoid repeating mistakes, which accelerates personal development.
Goal Setting
Clarity and Focus: Setting clear, achievable goals provides direction and purpose. Goals act as a roadmap, helping you focus your energy on what’s most important and avoid distractions.
Motivation and Progress: Well-defined goals create a sense of achievement as you meet milestones, boosting motivation and confidence. Break large goals into smaller, manageable tasks to maintain momentum.
Accountability: When you set goals, you hold yourself accountable, creating a sense of responsibility and commitment. This helps you stay disciplined and on track, even when challenges arise.
time management then helps you stay on track to achieve those goals, while regular self-reflection ensures you’re on the right path.
Planned happenstance
Planned Happenstance is a career development theory that emphasizes the role of chance events in shaping one’s career path. It suggests that rather than following a fixed, linear path, individuals should remain open to unexpected opportunities and actively engage with them.
Benefits:
Increases career satisfaction by embracing new opportunities.
Helps individuals navigate uncertainty and unexpected career shifts.
Encourages lifelong learning and adaptability.
