Abstract
When are emerging and young adults immersed in positive self-exploration versus mired in anxious avoidance that leads to paralysis? And in the latter case, what can be done? Challenging job market conditions in the context of seemingly limitless career options have helped to create an environment that increases the likelihood of postponement of career choice. Distinctions are made between doers and reflectors, with consideration of the role of reflection in career choice. Floundering versus experimentation approaches are outlined, and the causes of the former are examined. A career indecision model is presented to assist in understanding career indecision. The hazards of perfectionism and optimization of choice are discussed in the context of current market forces, all of which help to demonstrate the complexity that emerging and young adults are encountering in their search for a meaningful and purpose-driven career future.
I am still hoping lightning will hit in the middle of the night and it will come to me as an epiphany. … I can still go anywhere right now. …However, it is also difficult to make a decision given all these options. [I feel so stuck].
Brad, a 27-year-old emerging adult .
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Konstam, V. (2015). Floundering or Experimenting: Finding a Vocational Home. In: Emerging and Young Adulthood. Advancing Responsible Adolescent Development. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-11301-2_7
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