Leaving room for chance can lead to exciting opportunities. Here's why...
Have you ever felt pressured to have your entire career mapped out, as if there's one ideal path just waiting to be discovered through personality tests and career quizzes?
These tools can offer valuable insights, but they tell only part of the story. The work of career development expert, John Krumboltz, suggests a more dynamic approach called Planned Happenstance - a seemingly contradictory term that captures how we can actively create and capitalise on chance opportunities in our career journeys.
Understanding Planned Happenstance
Think of Planned Happenstance like exploring a new city while living there, rather than just following a tourist guidebook. You start with some general areas of interest, but through daily exploration and local connections, you discover hidden gems that aren't in any guide - a thriving art scene in an unexpected neighborhood, a fascinating community project, or an emerging industry you hadn't known about.
You're not wandering aimlessly; you're purposefully exploring while remaining alert to possibilities that could transform your experience of the city entirely. This approach acknowledges that life (like careers) rarely unfolds in straight lines, and that some of the most rewarding opportunities might exist in spaces you didn't initially plan to explore.
What it looks like
Consider Sarah, a history graduate who took a temporary admin role at a museum while job hunting. Through this position, she discovered she had a knack for engaging young visitors and organising educational programmes.
When a learning officer position opened up, her demonstrated interest and practical experience made her an ideal candidate. What started as a stopgap became a fulfilling career path she would never have imagined.
Or take Jon, an accountant by trade who joined a weekend painting class with a friend on a whim. He was introduced to a new world he'd never encountered, purely on the basis of being open and saying "yes" to new experiences.
As a result, Jon eventually worked full-time as an artist and art teacher, enjoying a deeply fulfilling career he would never previously have considered.
Practical steps to embrace Planned Happenstance
Cultivate curiosity: Rather than dismissing opportunities because they don't fit your planned path, ask questions about different roles and industries. Attend talks outside your field, join professional groups on social media, or shadow someone whose work intrigues you.
Create conditions for luck: Expand your network beyond obvious career-related contacts. Join societies, volunteer, or take on project work. Each new connection and experience increases the likelihood of discovering unexpected opportunities.
Develop transferable skills: Instead of focusing solely on role-specific abilities, build adaptable skills like problem-solving, communication, and networking. These make it easier to be agile when interesting opportunities arise.
Reframe "uncertainty" as "possibility": Being unsure about your exact career destination isn't a weakness - it's an acknowledgment that the working world is constantly evolving. Some of today's roles didn't exist 5-10 years ago, and exciting roles that don't yet exist will be created over the coming years.
Take small risks: Start with low-stakes experiments. Offer to lead a new initiative, take a short course in an interesting subject, or reach out to someone whose career path intrigues you. Each small step can open doors to unexpected possibilities.
Keep in mind...
Embracing Planned Happenstance doesn't mean abandoning all direction or leaving things to fate. Instead, it means remaining purposeful while staying open to unexpected opportunities. This approach acknowledges that your career path might twist and turn - and that these twists often lead to the most rewarding destinations.
The next time someone asks about your career plans, consider sharing not just your intended destination, but also your openness to discovering new possibilities along the way. After all, some of the most satisfying careers grow from seeds planted by chance in soil prepared by purpose.
Further Reading (click on the titles)
Planned Happenstance
Worksheet activity: Planned Happenstance and Your Career
