Career Issues

Career Issues

Obtaining a career is an important developmental milestone in adulthood. Individuals who have difficulty obtaining this milestone often experience stress and sadness about it. In recent years, the pressure of finding a meaningful career has increased significantly. On average, individuals now change jobs seven times over their lifetimes. This statistic indicates both an increase in job choices and the new accompanying challenges in finding the right job. In addition, individuals are now encouraged to devote a significant number of hours to their jobs, both in the office environment and through technology outside of official office hours.

Career issues can include: finding a career, applying for jobs, comparing one’s job to others’ jobs, performing at work, e.g., giving presentations at meetings, perfectionism, and burnout. Career issues are more likely to occur in individuals who have anxious or depressive styles. For example, individuals with an anxious style may wonder about other career options, over-prepare for work tasks, and exhibit perfectionism and burnout. Individuals with a depressive style may have difficulty activating themselves to apply for jobs, believe that they have chosen the wrong career, and experience hopelessness with work tasks and burnout.