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English Pages 176 [168] Year 2010
LUCK /^ACCIDENT Making in
the
Most of Happenstance
Your
Life
and Career
John D« Krumboltz, Ph.D.
LUCK /p&ACCIDENT Making in
the
Most of Happenstance
Your
Life
and Career
John D. Krumboltz, Ph.D. Al
S, Levin,
Impact
EcLD.
Publishers
ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA
Copyright © 2004
by John D. Krumboltz and Al All rights reserved
S.
Levin
under international and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No
part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, digital, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without express written permission of the author or publisher, except for brief quotations in critical reviews.
ATTENTION ORGANIZATIONS AND CORPORATIONS: This book is available at quantity discounts on bulk purchases
for educational,
business, or sales promotional use. For further information, please contact Impact
Box 6016, Atascadero,
Publishers, P.O.
California 93423-6016.
Phone 805-466-
5917, e-mail: [email protected]
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Krumboltz, John D.
Luck
is
no accident
:
making the most
career /John D. Krumboltz, Al p.
S.
of happenstance in your
life
and
Levin,
cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 1-886230-53-6 Vocational guidance.
2.
Chance.
I.
Levin, Al S.
II.
Title.
HF5381 .K743 2002
2002038756
650.1-dc21
Impact Publishers and colophon are registered trademarks of Impact Publishers,
Cover design by White Design, San Luis Obispo, California the United States of America on acid-free, recycled paper. Published by K.A.
Printed in
Impact
£^
Publishers®
POST OFFICE BOX 6016 ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA 93423-6016 www.impactpublishers.com
Inc.
Contents Acknowledgements
vii
Introduction
1
1
Make
2
Always keep your options open
3
Wake up
4
Try
5
Go ahead and make mistakes
6
Take action to create your
7
Go
8
Enjoy yourself
9
Overcome
10
it
the
most
unplanned events
3
21
— before your dream comes true!
33
— even without knowing the outcome
for the job
Remember
—
of
own
— then learn the
— the good
73
is
89
luck
107
skills
life is
a balanced
self-sabotage
that luck
53
no accident
life
121
135
143
important lessons about creating luck
Annotated Bibliography
147
Index
151
Digitized by the Internet Archive in
2012
http://archive.org/details/luckisnoaccidentOOjohn
Acknowledgements
We
wish
to gratefully
acknowledge the work of
brought the three of us together to discuss
Dr.
who
Mitchell of City College of San Francisco
Kathleen initially
how unplanned
are influential in everyone's career. Dr. Mitchell
is
to
events
be credited
for
the term and the career counseling theory, Planned Happenstance.
The three of us shared ideas and opinions
in
frequent meetings over
three years. Kathleen convinced us of the necessity to change the
current paradigm of career counseling to better
meet the needs
of
today's workplace. The three of us collaborated in presenting
symposia and workshops Mitchell details
is
the
first
at career
author of an
from our deliberations and
We
development conferences. Dr. which we spelled out the
article in
their implications for counselors.
are also indebted to Diane Byster
detailed feedback
on preliminary
contributing stories of
how
and Anne Chan
drafts of the
their careers
were
for their
manuscript and
for
also influenced
by
unplanned events.
Hundreds of people have contributed
their
own
personal stories
which have helped us to crystallize our ideas of how creating luck actually works in practice. While we were not able to include all these stories in the book, the stories. to
We
we have
benefited from the
wisdom
in all
to many who were willing we have occasionally taken
have promised anonymity
have their stories published, and
literary license to
modify names and places
to disguise the identity
of contributors. Al for
would
like to
thank his wife and daughter, Eileen and Rachel,
always keeping an eye out for good happenstance
John
is
grateful to his wife, Betty,
Shauna and Scott helped
and
for living lives filled
to inspire this
to his children,
illustrations.
Ann, Jenny,
with multiple stories which
book.
vn
Introduction
There
are a
number
of
books that deal with
happenstance. This book
is
different.
We
and
luck, chance,
believe that "luck
is
no accident." Each and every person plays a key role in creating his or her own unexpected career- and life-enhancing events and transforming
them ways
Although
into real opportunities.
you can enhance your
that
ideas apply to other facets of your
You
this
convinced that these
as well, even your love
life
life!
will find here
•
Real-life stories that illustrate that luck is
•
Specific advice
apply to your •
book concentrates on
career, we're
based on these
own
life;
no accident;
stories that
you
will
be able
to
and
Thought-provoking and action-oriented exercises that you
can use
right
now.
The story behind the title of this book is an illustration of the fact is no accident." Surprisingly, one of the most difficult tasks
that "luck
a book
coming up with a good title. The title needs to capture the main theme of the book in just a few words, and it must in writing
is
be understandable and, preferably, catchy as
many months
with different
our
Bob
editor, Dr.
Alberti,
with a hint of desperation:
My
"I
We
struggled for
As we were about
final title idea,
think this might be
he said
number
about
wife Eileen, our daughter Rachel,
and
I
to tell to us
63!"
how the title of this book came good example of why "Luck is No Accident."
Al Levin's true story
provides a
possibilities.
about our
well.
to
be
decided to go to dinner at a
we frequent. When we arrived we were greeted by the us would be five minutes or so before we could be
local restaurant that
hostess,
seated.
who
As we
told
it
waited, Eileen glanced up on the wall and noticed a plaque
with the inscription "Success
She immediately turned
to
is
No
Accident: Safety
me and
said
First
Award
—
"How about something
2001
like
."
that
1
LUCK
2
as a
IS
NO ACCIDENT
for
title
your book? You know, 'Luck
is
No
Accident.'"
loved
I
it
immediately.
Some look at led to a
from
it
people would simply quite differently. There
new
this
were actions
that everyone liked.
title
We
incident "pure luck."
call this
were taken that What wisdom can we glean that
example of "luck?"
Be aware of your surroundings •
Eileen
even
had her eyes open
in a place as
to the
mundane
environment around
her,
as a frequently visited
restaurant.
Take a •
risk,
even with rejection as a possible outcome
Despite the fact that he had rejected other
title
ideas she had
proposed, Eileen told Al about her discovery.
Be adaptable and open-minded •
Eileen adapted the inscription to better
match the concept
of
the book. •
The co-authors and publisher were open-minded about the new title idea, although it was getting late in the game.
now because you have
a
Unhappy with your job? Don't have
a
You're probably reading this book
problem you wish
to solve.
job? Facing a difficult career or
break"? This book
and benefit from You will read everyday people
will
life
teach you
decision? Wishing for that "lucky
how you can
stories
own
luck
who
about well-known people as well as average
own
is no accident. We Our wish for you is to be after you finish this book.
provide proof that luck
believe everyone has a similar story to
able to write your
create your
it.
good-luck story
tell.
Chapter
1
Make the Most of Unplanned Events Things turn out best for people
who make
the best of the
way
things turn out.
— Art Linkletter None of us knows what the next change is going to be, what unexpected opportunity is just around the corner, waiting a few months or a few years to change all
the tenor of our
lives.
— Kathleen N orris
you ever noticed that unplanned events — chance occurrences — more often determine your life and career choices than all the careful planning you do? A chance meeting, a
Have
broken appointment, a spontaneous vacation
newly discovered hobby happenstances
—
trip,
a
"fill-in"
job, a
these are the kinds of experiences
— that lead to unexpected
life
directions
—
and career
choices.
book we're encouraging you to take actions to open up opportunities even when you don't know the outcomes, to take advantage of chance events, to keep your options open, and to make the most of what life offers. We are not opposed to planning, but we don't think you should stick with a plan that is not working for you In this
anymore.
How event?
If
often have your plans changed because of an unexpected
you
really stop to think
about
it,
you
will
recognize that
4
LUCK
IS
NO ACCIDENT
unexpected events occur quite frequently. Some are wonderful surprises, such as finding out that your
you can
really talk to, or that
new boss
is
your favorite team just
someone
won
the
that
NCAA
championship. At the other extreme are unexpected events that
may be
considered disasters.
When
a terrible storm hits your town,
The unexpected disaster America faced on and after 2001 affected lives around the entire world. There are also many unexpected events that have both positive and it's
a
crisis.
September
11,
negative consequences.
Blondie By Young & Drake I
HAVE A REAL HANKERING
FOR A CRUNCHY CANDY BAR
IN THAT CASE, I'LL HAVE A
BEEF 5CORNED SANDWICH
THAT'S WHAT MAKES
ME SO EASY TO
LIVE WITH, I'M
ADAPTABLE,
Reprinted with Special Permission of King Features Syndicate
Make
the most of your present situation.
Make
the Most of Unplanned Events
Unexpected events take place throughout our events that affect
your
born. For example, you
life
had no
role in
language, ethnicity, or birthplace.
choosing your
first
be
in
Many
you were
choosing your parents, native
How much
control did
you have in You
school, your classmates, your teachers?
might think that you had the opportunity
when
lives.
actually took place long before
5
choose your
to
friends,
most people become friends when they happen to close proximity of one another through a neighborhood,
in actuality
school, work, or family connections.
How major
about your career? Have unexpected events affected your
field in school,
your occupation, your employers, your co-
workers, your supervisors?
We
all
like to believe that
we
freely
chose our occupations, but think about all the events and circumstances that exposed us to a limited set of alternatives. Did you choose your employer, or did your employer choose you? Few people have the opportunity to choose their
own
co-workers or
supervisors.
You may be wondering if there really is anything you can The good news is that you can control the actions that you take and how you react to positive and negative experiences. And control.
those are powerful factors in determining the directions your
life
takes.
Some books promise
that
if
you can
just identify
your
life's
passion, state a career goal, determine your personality type, or
you will find the key to the perfect job, career, lifestyle, or mate. Those books don't account for the unpredictability of life. You will continue to be influenced by the people and events that you encounter, often by chance, including your family, friends, the economy, and changes in technology. No one can predict the future. Unexpected events are inevitable. But if you are alert, you can make the most of them when they happen. You have control over your own actions and how you think even consider your astrological
sign,
about the events that impact your
life.
None
of us can control the
outcomes, but your actions can increase the probability that desired
outcomes guarantee
will occur. is
There are no guarantees
that doing nothing will get
in
you nowhere.
life.
The only
LUCK IS NO ACCIDENT
6
Take Advantage of Unexpected Disappointments Unplanned events are sometimes positive, sometimes negative. Both positive and negative events offer opportunities. Here we see how Claire capitalized on a disappointment.
Bumped I
was working
was
bored,
vacation.
in
San Francisco
and
ticket
and was
my plane, was bumped I
Into
was time
It
anywhere,
all
I
my
I
annual
gave
airline
one
for
disappointed that
me
credit for
Instead of going
year.
stayed home.
I
About a year
off.
anymore.
set to go. While at the airport, I
was good anywhere
later,
to expire. Aha, this
time
me
to take
my flight. was
off of
vacation plans had been disrupted, but the
another ticket that
a Career
that didn't interest
and needed a change.
tired,
bought a plane
I
waiting for
my
a job
at
—
Off a Flight
I
remembered
my airplane ticket credit was about quit my job and take some
that
would be a good time to
had always wanted to
the Boston area, especially Harvard.
visit
During
my
to
a few academic departments to learn about research opportunities.
visit
trip
was even
I
able to drop
departments. in
Spanish.
I
interested
in all
Was
I
was
this a
also
UC
able to explain
two hours.
in
the Harvard
campus when decided I
on the department chair
was
had a
car,
immigration policy.
I
this to the professor
offered
someone who
looking for
Berkeley,
was
had
available
all
and my
and accepted the
in
one
of
learned that he needed a research assistant
He
California near
was
was walking around
I
of these
who was fluent
lived in
Northern
the mornings, and
of those requirements. brief drop-in visit
I
was
turned into
position that day.
coincidence? Divine intervention?
Who
knows?
It
has
been a perfect match and couldn't be happier. Had come one week earlier or one week later, the opportunity wouldn't have been available. The fact that Claire was bumped from her flight was a chance event that interrupted her plans. There was no way she could have I
predicted the consequences a year
later.
Note, however, that she
making the desirable consequences happen: She used the compensatory airline ticket to visit the Harvard
played a major role •
I
in
campus. •
She used her time there contacting professors interest.
in
her
field of
Make
When
•
the Most of Unplanned Events
7
she found an opportunity, she sold the professor on
her qualifications and interest.
have spent the time shopping,
Claire could
museums
visiting
or
sleeping in her hotel room. Instead, she took constructive steps to
convert an aborted airline
a fascinating job opportunity.
flight into
many
Terrible catastrophes affect
—
lives
often in unexpected
become
ways. Even in the worst of conditions there are ways to
engaged
own
in constructive activities. Let's
had gone
be a foreign
I
affairs
I
ended up I
Italy
in
so could further
career up to that time.
person
Moment
to graduate school
international issues
to
Elena created her
opportunities.
At the Worst I
how
see
Life...
my knowledge
to improve
my career in
television
news.
I
In Italy,
I
was
in
of
wanted
producer and had been completely focused on
my
a very bad accident and nearly died.
the hospital for surgery.
in
My
of
My
day
first
met who spoke English was a Bosnian
the hospital the
in
soldier
first
who had been
in the war in Bosnia. We were the same age, and there, at the moment of my life, met someone who was so much worse off that was no way for me not to survive my ordeal with courage. stayed in
injured
worst there Italy I
I
I
and lost
finished school.
track of him
the American I
realized
and
in
the hospital, but three years later traced him through I
Red Cross (where had volunteered I
my true
his family
desire
was to
and raised a few thousand
Gradually since then,
do something refugees)
is
help refugees.
I
I
have evolved
my
relief
group that does work
organizing a fund-raiser for
been taking
When
film
in
after
graduate school) and
started a fund-raiser for him
dollars that
I
sent directly to him.
into thinking that the best
love (producing film/video) for a
to volunteer
cause that
an area
them
to
go
way
to
love (helping
I
time for non-profit groups and
promotional films to further their cause.
a
I
make
have since become involved with
I
I
really believe in,
to refugees
in
and
Kosovo.
have been
I
I
have also
classes and meeting independent filmmakers.
comparison
to that of a
seriously injured Bosnian soldier, she realized that she
had a great
Elena thought about her
deal to be thankful for
own
actions:
life in
and could use the experience
to inspire
her
LUCK IS NO ACCIDENT
8
•
She finished school.
•
She traced the soldier through the Red Cross.
•
She started a fundraiser
•
She volunteered
•
She
•
She took additional film
•
She continued networking with other independent
to
for
work
made promotional
him.
for non-profit refugee organizations.
films.
classes.
filmmakers.
Be Open to Changing Locations and Occupations
Some people
feel that
because they have in
they are stuck
remain
Good
type of industry.
needed
to
an unsatisfactory job and in the same
in
same
in the
location
interpersonal and communication
almost every type of work. Other technical
skills
skills
are
can be
learned on the job. You don't need to restrict yourself to one location or occupation just because that
your experience so
is
far.
Consider
Dianna's case.
Can Do
"I
worked
I
in
That!"
Old
was extremely
We discussed
I
was going places
it
and decided
to go.
moving across the country
job. After
New
Industry
at
a young age. However,
stressed out and overworked by the age of 25.
Then my husband had an opportunity job.
a
Skills Fit
the entertainment industry and had what most people
considered a very good job. I
-
I
to left
I
move
to another city with his
an upwardly mobile job
looked for another job
for
no
the
in
entertainment industry for several months without any success.
Then one day my husband brought home a job description in
of
a position
the training department of his information technology company.
required
many
of the
same
skills
that
had been
I
using.
I
didn't
know much
me
to prepare
about information technology, but the job required curriculum materials
was
like
them
acting a
that
I
(it
role).
The job
was like writing a script) and teach new workers was a completely different job, but persuaded
(it
It
I
could learn whatever else
I
needed
to know.
was hired. has turned out to be very rewarding. am much happier and much less stressed out. like what do very much. I
applied and
It
I
I
I
Make
9
the Most of Unplanned Events
Dianna gave up her job to accompany her husband across the country. She tried to find another job in the same industry she had left without success. Then she took some major actions: • She responded to a job announcement in an unrelated industry. •
She saw how the
•
skills
she had developed previously could
new job.
apply to the
She convinced the employer that she could learn whatever else she needed
to learn.
Share Your Interests and Experiences with People You Meet to discover how many people actually want to help you know something about you. Don't be bashful about sharing your desires, concerns and experiences with others. You may find It is
if
amazing
they
valuable contacts in the least expected spots as Alysha discovered.
Roommate Wanted — Job Found Soon
after arriving in
Chicago,
was
I
answering "roommate wanted" ads.
was placed by a French French, she told
me that
teacher.
I
looking for a place to
responded to one
Upon
learning that
of the I
live
by
ads which
had majored
in
she was vacating a position as a summer school
was
teacher of French and that the position
still
open.
I
contacted the
school, interviewed, and got the job.
When the me that the
regular teacher returned at the
applied and
was
called
on a frequent
another school that had a vacancy
and although
end
of the
summer, she
told
school where she taught previously needed substitutes.
I
didn't
get one, which
I
in
have a credential,
basis. While there,
I
learned of
the French Department. I
I
I
applied
got the job on the condition that
I
did.
Alysha was not bashful about sharing her experiences and desires
with others. She took concrete actions to uncover opportunities:
roommate
•
She responded
•
She conducted an informal information interview with the
roommate.
to a
ad.
LUCK IS NO ACCIDENT
1
•
She learned about a job opening, applied, interviewed and got the job.
•
When
that job ended, she did substitute teaching
where she
learned of another vacancy. •
She applied without the required credential.
•
She got the job
and then obtained the
first
credential.
Convert Frustrations into Opportunities Life rarely flows
smoothly.
facing frustrations of
It is
some
rare for
would probably not be much fun success
illustrates that
how you respond
in
to
child,
my
my
In
if
I
I
was
I
I
my
Italian
for years
neighborhood.
just
I
was
I
books.
My
parents broke us up and shipped
me
off to
prep
heartbroken.
eventually admitted to
tried out for the
for the
an
I
Without the distraction, however,
was
in
I,
was getting poor grades. knew why and so did my was spending more time studying my fourteen-year-old girl
I
friend than
school.
might be fun to bring up their kids
it
fit in.
high school
parents.
you could. The story of Karl adversity you face, but
if
language was German, which
first
growing up, resented because didn't feel as
life
Misfit Fits In
parents decided
speaking German. So
and
time,
it.
A As a
without
to live for long
how much
not in
is
anyone
No one can win every
type.
one
started to
I
work on my studies and
of the top universities
school newspaper but
drama club but never got
the United States.
in
was turned down.
called.
I
tried out
These were two more
big
disappointments. I
then tried out for the college radio workshop,
radio plays that I
and presented them on
a group was
became
trying to start
local
whose members wrote
area radio stations.
a college radio
station,
I
When
finally
I
heard
got involved.
the station's program director as a sophomore,
its
general
manager as a junior. After getting
my degree
in 1
program. However, the medical
me as 4F,
943,
exam
unfit for military service.
I
wanted
to join an officer's training
revealed a heart problem that classified
This
was another
great disappointment.
Make
I
decided to volunteer
for the Office of
there were current openings
and a knowledge
in
London
German
of
the Most of Unplanned Events
for
War
1
1
Information and learned
people with radio experience
(two qualifications
had not
I
initially
wanted).
Over the years a long series of other disappointments followed by unexpected successes have
led
me
to
my
present position as the owner
of three radio stations.
how
Note
Karl converted each frustration into a positive
opportunity: •
He was
frustrated about fitting into his
because he
initially
was crucial He was frustrated
ability •
spoke German, but
in
He was
German language
his
landing a key job.
in losing his
high school sweetheart, but
he reacted by concentrating on •
neighborhood
his studies.
frustrated in gaining admission to the school's
newspaper
and drama
staff
club,
but he persisted by getting
involved with the school's radio station. •
He was
frustrated in his desire to join the military service
because of
his heart condition, but
contribute to the
war
Losing your job
is
more than
devastating. Suddenly your
Here
is
the story of
security,
how Francesca
—
frustrating
whole security blanket lost
is
it
can
feel
jerked out from
no income and no
status.
her security blanket and
it.
A Truant Child Leads to I
to
effort.
under you. You have no work, no
what she did about
he found another way
a Great Job
for just a year when the bad was undergoing a severe budget crisis, and
had been employed as a school counselor
news
hit.
The school
district
it
had been decided that personnel cuts were necessary. Under the union contract those with the least seniority would be cut.
was
cut late at night, about 2:30 A.M. on a Friday.
cut because
I
loved
my work
I
I
got the word that
was
as a counselor and knew
I
I
sick about being
had been making
in the lives of my students. my future employability enrolled in a program at the some fifty miles away. The program was designed to
a big difference To improve university
I
state train
1
LUCK IS NO ACCIDENT
2
teachers of emotionally impaired children. with friends
and
friends of friends.
I
also continued to "network"
approached a
I
the County Office of Education and asked about options field.
me
make
periodic
were looking
someone
for
because was desperate.
the counseling
it.
fill
I
immediately applied for the job
Because
did have a reasonable salary attached.
experience and current training half-time position, but
was
I
worked
I
friend informed
had been created and that they
had absolutely no desire to be a truant
I
I
it
to
one day my
visits. Finally
that a half-time truant officer position
but
in
at
There were none.
continued to
I
who worked
friend
given the appointment.
full
time at
it
of It
while at the
officer,
my
was
prior
only a
same
time
carrying a full-time course load at the University. In April
duty,
I
on an afternoon when was supposed to be
of that year, late
went
to
Rafael, a child
visit
I
who had been
habitually truant from school. In the
counselor position but had not yet
level,
I
knew
was chosen had ever had. And
applied and
job
I
school that day,
Was
it
I
that this
was
for the job. it
made a
Though my
at the opportunity.
high school
was
course
mentioned that they were creating a
of the discussion the Principal
jumped
off
administrators at the Eastern Elementary School about
all
It
prior
formal job announcement.
I
experience had been at the
the chance
I
had been waiting
for.
I
turned out to be the most satisfying
due
to luck.
If
Rafael had not skipped
would never have known about the opportunity.
really luck? Let's look at the actions
Francesca took after
she had been laid off from her high school job: •
She enrolled
in
a training program for teachers of
emotionally impaired children. •
She kept
in periodic
contact with friends
who might know
about job openings. •
She accepted a half-time job as truant
officer that
she did not
enjoy. •
She nevertheless worked
•
When she should have been child who was truant.
•
She allowed the conversation with the Principal topics other than
•
one truant
She expressed strong position
full-time
and got the
on the job.
off duty,
she followed up on a
to
veer onto
child.
interest in the soon-to-be-opened
job.
Make
Unplanned Events
the Most of
work enabled her
Francesca's persistent actions and hard
wanted
the kind of job she
—
1
now
even though she
attributes
3
find all
it
to luck.
Unplanned Events Result More Unplanned Events
Realize that
in
Francesca's story illustrates that multiple unplanned events
combined before something planned nor
be
to
laid off, to
to find out
better appears. Francesca
be a truant
officer, to
had not
have Rafael skip school
about a future job opening.
Each event has multiple consequences others.
may be
Each event
sets the stage for
how
predict in advance
— for you as well as for
subsequent events. No one can
a string of unplanned events might affect
anyone's career. John's story
illustrates the effects of
an unending
sequence of interrelated but unpredictable events.
"Can I
grew up playing a
who
Alan,
I
Major
in
Tennis,
variety of competitive
Coach?"
games
with
my
kindergarten together, then Alan changed schools and
a while.
We
reconnected a few years
my
neighborhood on
was
playing alone
around age twelve
in
bike,
and happened
the front yard.
we
later
when
I
high school
team.
My
new birthday gift game, and became skilled enough to
teams
tennis
Our coach,
—
sometimes
team would
Dr. Wallar,
and
five
in
and returning home I
received a be. I
I
ventured into a
in
Alan's
play
new
house while he
rackets).
and
basement
We
to
taught
on our respective
of us
made
the varsity tennis
travel to other colleges for
team matches.
players would ride together, leaving early on
that evening.
approached the end letter
started
contact for
competition with each other.
where each
a Saturday morning, playing tennis
When
We
lost
to play ping pong,
"graduated" from ping-pong
We went to different colleges,
we
to ride past his
He taught me
tennis (borrowing his sister's ourselves the
childhood friend,
another part of our small Midwestern town.
lived in
all
afternoon, enjoying a steak dinner,
got to
I
of
know and
like Dr. Wallar.
my sophomore
year
from the Registrar's Office asking what
had no idea and so threw the
letter in
received a follow-up letter that
I
in
college,
I
my major would A month later
the wastebasket.
disposed of
similarly.
How was
I
1
LUCK IS NO ACCIDENT
4
supposed
to
choose a major?
which stated:
letter
"If
you do
I
had no
idea. Finally
I
received the third
not report to the Registrar's Office to declare
a major by 5
PM
"Hmmmm,"
thought, "These guys are serious." But what
I
one had ever
on
May
Friday,
26, your registration
was
I
to
do? No
on how to choose a major.
offered any advice or instruction
me? The only faculty member felt comfortable talking with was our tennis coach, Dr. Wallar, so made an appointment to see him at 4 PM on Friday, May 26. should mention that at the small college attended faculty members were often called upon to do double duty. Dr. Wallar was not only the tennis coach, he was the one and only professor of psychology. When saw him, Maybe
I
ought to ask
for help.
But
who
be terminated."
will
could help
I
I
I
I
I
I
wasted no time on I
polite chit-chat. "Dr. Wallar,"
have to declare a major or
think
I
my
I
said, "Within the next
be terminated. What do you
registration will
should major in?" Quick as a wink he replied, "Psychology, of course."
"OK, thanks,"
I
called out over
my
shoulder as
ran to the Registrar's office, arrived
in
I
dashed toward the
office with
a sigh of
relief.
And
becoming a psychologist. events worked out so
convinced
it
well.
that's
how
I
started
I
stumbled
into
all
left
the
the path toward
these unplanned
for
me.
unplanned events
that influenced
John's decision to major in psychology: •
•
•
There was no necessary reason
•
why
the tennis coach should
also have been a professor of psychology. He might have been an economist, or a chemist or a sociologist. Could that coincidence have affected John's career? Even though Dr. Wallar was a professor of psychology, he might not have recommended psychology as a major for John. He might have said, "You look like an English major to me." Would that response have affected John's career? Suppose Alan's sister had been given a bag of golf clubs instead of tennis rackets for her birthday. Would that gift
up golf instead of tennis? Suppose Alan had a photography lab instead of a ping-pong table in the basement. Would that difference in the availability of physical equipment have affected John's career? have influenced John
to take
I
becoming a psychologist, and
has been the best possible career
Let's think of the multiple
my name and
down
feel infinitely lucky that
I
door.
plenty of time (30 minutes to spare),
wrote "psychology" on the appropriate form, signed
I'm
hour
Make
the Most of Unplanned Events
1
5
Suppose Alan had not been out in his front yard by himself when John cruised by on his bike. Would meeting someone
•
other than Alan have affected the course of John's career?
No one can ever know what would have happened on the path it seems reasonable to assume that John's career was
not taken. But
by a whole host of unplanned events.
significantly influenced
John's actions enabled these events to happen. career then totally due to these unplanned events? Just an accident? What
role did
Was
Was it
John's
just luck?
John himself play in creating his
own
career?
John was an active participant what John did: • • • • • •
He He He He He He
in all the events. Let's
see exactly
went exploring on his bicycle. stopped and chatted when he saw a familiar face. agreed to play ping pong even though he didn't know how. agreed
to play tennis
even though he didn't know how.
practiced and improved his tennis game.
volunteered for the varsity tennis teams
in
both high
school and college.
•
He He
•
Later, of course,
•
finally
asked
for help in
followed the advice he
John took
him
that enabled
choosing a college major.
was
given.
many
eventually to
other constructive actions
become
a psychologist (and
to co-author this book).
Make the Job There are ways
Fit to
make almost any job more
sometimes easier pays
to exert
approach
some
to the
You
to quit
and
find another job. However,
effort in trying to
Putting Myself
knocked around Europe,
wanted
to do.
A
in
it.
Monique
often
it
decided to go to work.
former classmate asked
is
a case in point.
Charge
degree and not using I
it
is
it
modify the job or modify your
job before giving up on
After getting a master's
pleasant. Granted,
if
I'd like
for four I
years while
had no idea what
to
be a consultant.
I
I
I
1
LUCK IS NO ACCIDENT
6
didn't
know what
called,
I
that was, but
I
said yes.
visited the consulting firm. During the interview
I
answers to a dozen questions. position.
She gave me a number
wanted a
I
No one everything
full-time
did.
was
permanent
me how
offered to teach I
I
Four months
later
I
just
to
call.
made up
offered a part-time temporary
position, but
to
I
said
OK.
be a consultant.
they gave
me
notice that
I
I
invented
had been
demanded a reversal. won. Three years later, having worked nights, days and weekends supporting coworkers who did very little, spun off as an "independent consultant" starting my own business. am now in my 24th year of this improbable gig. I'm nationally known and laid off.
I
I
I
I
solvent too!
Monique
certainly took charge of her
into a job she
knew nothing
own. She overturned her
own
She talked herself
how to do it on her And she gained enough
about. She learned
lay-off notice.
experience that she was able
life.
to
launch her
own
consulting business.
Monique did not fit the job. Monique made the job fit her. As you try to make the most of unplanned events, remember these points: •
Take advantage of unexpected disappointments;
•
Be open
•
Share your interests and experiences with interesting people
changing locations and occupations;
to
you meet; •
Convert frustrations into opportunities;
•
Realize that unplanned events result in events;
•
Make
An Easy We
more unplanned
and
the job
fit
you.
Exercise for Your
have been
telling
you
Own
stories
Life
about other people, but you can
most from applying these ideas to your own life. The following is a starting point to get you thinking about your early aspirations and the unplanned events that have affected you. We want you to see that you are perfectly normal to have been influenced by unplanned events. We also want you to see that your own actions enabled unplanned events to happen and that your own actions capitalized on these events for your own benefit. learn
exercise
Make
the Most of
Unplanned Events
Your ideas about what you find satisfying continue throughout your necessarily
life.
fulfilled,
Just as your childhood aspirations
so your present plans
may
to
1
7
change
were not
not necessarily lead
what you want either. Unexpected events are happening all some of them because of actions you are taking. Some the time of them can have a big impact on your career.
you
to
—
1
.
List
three occupations to which you aspired at
some time during
your childhood.
2.
Have you ever actually been employed
in
any of these
occupations?
No
Yes 3.
If
"yes" to #2,
how
childhood image of
was the
reality of the
job to your
it?
Somewhat
Similar 4.
similar
What unexpected event
Very different
different
contributed most to your getting your
present (or most recent) employment?
5.
What to
6.
be
What
actions
had you taken
in a position to
actions
prior to that event that enabled
experience
had you taken
it?
after the event that
take advantage of the opportunities
7.
How
satisfied are
Partially satisfied
_ Dissatisfied
it
presented?
you with your present
Very satisfied
you
life?
enabled you
to
1
LUCK IS NO ACCIDENT
8
8.
How
might you adapt some of the actions that you took
Questions 5 and 6 satisfying
life
to
in
begin moving you toward an even more
now?
Making the Most of Happenstance You have experienced some unplanned events in your life, and you've taken action to capitalize on at least one such experience. Now you know that you can create and benefit from unplanned events, and you're ready to learn how to apply this knowledge to whatever circumstances life brings you. The rest of this book will give you additional ideas and examples of how to do just that. You'll also find in these pages that we contradict most of the common myths that you've probably heard about life- and careerplanning. Consider this
Common
list:
Myths About Planning Your
Life
and Career Don't
let
unexpected events disrupt your plans.
Choose a career goal as soon as possible. Do all you can to make your "dream" come true. Take action only when you are sure of the outcome. Avoid making mistakes. Wait for a lucky break.
Go
for a job only
Always hold on
to
Just to let
all
you have
first.
Believe that luck
is
if
Put your career
is
your just
all
the
skills.
beliefs.
an accident.
you anticipate how we
will
counter these myths, here
our actual advice in a nutshell, along with the chapters containing the details:
Make
Make
the Most of Unplanned Events
•
most of unplanned events. (Review Chapter Always keep your options open. (Read Chapter 2)
•
Wake up
•
Try
•
Go ahead and make mistakes. (Read Chapter 5) Take action to create your own luck. (Read Chapter
•
• • •
it
the
— before your "dream" comes
9
1)
(Read Chapter 3)
— even without knowing the outcome. (Read Chapter 4)
Go for the job — then learn the Enjoy yourself — the good
life is
•
Overcome
•
Remember
skills.
6)
(Read Chapter
a balanced
life.
7)
(Read Chapter
8)
self-sabotage. (Read Chapter 9)
that luck
is
no accident. (Read Chapter
With the many options and action ideas you'll
true.
1
be ready
to
design your
of happenstance in your
life.
own game
10)
you'll find in this
book,
plan for making the most
Chapter 2
Always Keep Your Options Open When you come
to a fork in the road, take
it.
— Yogi Berra The best way
to predict the future is to create
it.
— Peter Drucker
We
have spent
much
career decisions, but
decision again.
Why? A
of our lives helping people to
make
we
career
don't
want you ever
"career decision"
is
to
make a
usually interpreted as a
permanent commitment to one occupation. But it is nonsense to commit to a single path when both you and the world you live in are constantly changing. We have now seen the error of our ways and consider ourselves to be "recovering" career counselors. Instead of trying to decide your future today, you would be
much
open mind while actively exploring your A opportunities. single-minded focus on just one occupation better off keeping an
produces "career tunnel vision." In this chapter, we'll take a look at the
your choice of careers too careers, of course,
early.
may be
about the direction of your
dangers of narrowing
(The ideas we'll discuss
in
regard to
applied to most important decisions
life.)
Avoid Tunnel Vision most people, as a child you probably tired of answering the question, "What are you going to be when you grow up?" Few If
you are
like
21
LUCK IS NO ACCIDENT
22
enough
children are precocious
to
respond, "An adult." The question
assumes that a child can predict the future, ignoring the reality that even adults who are trained to predict the future (e.g., economists, stock brokers, meteorologists, political analysts) are frequently
wrong. No one can predict the future accurately. There are too
many unexpected
events
—
too
much happenstance
—
occurring
every day. In high school
and
college the pressure increases to get everyone
to declare a future occupation.
Some
students sensibly and honestly
much to the dismay of their and parents who then label these students as "undecided" or, even worse, "indecisive." The expectation is that you should commit to an occupation that you haven't even tried out yet. refuse to
commit
to a single occupation,
counselors, teachers
FRANK & ERNEST
By Bob Thaves
*#* MTtAfr Of a^L • ViC oc