You can do anything you want? Let’s face it, there’s things beyond our control

None of this was likely to have been factored into people’s career plans, and none of these events are under personal control. The trite advice that you can do anything you want if you want it enough has never looked more idiotic and wrong.

Maybe we are seeing workers respond to these times with other (possibly over-hyped) “trends” such as quiet quitting, portfolio work, becoming digital nomads and the rest.

However, what is clear is that in a changing world, careers development and coaching approaches need to change and move beyond static goals and plans. They must confront the realities that events can and do overwhelm us, and sometimes muddling through, keeping our heads down, and being creative may be the best options.

We must also recognise that many do not have the resources to do this, and that we must lobby governments and employers to change their policies and provide proper and socially just support for the most vulnerable that recognises this is no longer a “once in a 100 years” world.

Jim Bright, FAPS is Professor of Career Education and Development at ACU and owns Bright and Associates, a Career Management Consultancy. Email to [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @DrJimBright