The Chaos Theory of Careers

"The Chaos Theory of Careers provides a well-explained and empirically supported framework for applying chaos theory to career and rehabilitatioin counselling practices." - Hoi Ling Irene Mok, University of Sydney, Australia

"In their customary style, Jim Bright and Robert Pryor engage their readers in an
insightful consideration of how we live and how we make sense out of living. In this,
the most recent and arguably the most comprehensive and practical explication
of career chaos theory, Bright and Pryor provide a rich description of what career
chaos theory is and, more importantly, how it can be used to foster positive career
development in others. The writing style is interesting, thought provoking, and
evocative (not comments often attributed to career development texts!). Covering
topics spanning from Frank Parsons to fractal geometry and from Donald Super to
symmetry patterns, this book brings important energy to a field in need of invigoration
and new perspectives. I recommend it as required reading for anyone who is
serious about career development theory and practice."
--Spencer G. Niles, Editor, Journal of Counseling & Development and
Professor and Department Head, Counselor Education, Counseling
Psychology and Rehabilitation Services, Penn State University

"The 21st century world of work is turning the career development field upside
down. As a result of these radical changes, our field needs new theories to provide
the knowledge base for effective, humane, and ethical counseling for the full range
of working people. In adopting chaos theory, we now have a lens to understand
and intervene in the work lives of people who are facing an uncertain world, at best.
This book is a must-read for counselors and researchers who are trying to understand
the postmodern nature of working. I strongly recommend this book; Bright
and Pryor have transformed the discourse of our field, embracing the changes that
we face. With this publication, Bright and Pryor are leading our field into the 21st
century with creativity, passion, and vision."
--David L. Blustein, Ph.D., Professor of Counseling, Department of
Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology, Boston College

"In The Chaos Theory of Careers, Pryor and Bright present an innovative model
that comprehends the uncertainties and complexities of the work role in contemporary
organizations. Using this model, they describe creative counseling methods
that enable clients to capitalize on change and chance in designing careers that enact
personal meaning and social contribution."
--Mark Savickas, Professor of Behavioral Sciences at the Northeastern Ohio
Universities College of Medicine and Adjunct Professor of Counselor
Education at Kent State University

"This is the book we have all been waiting for. The authors present a readable and
detailed account of chaos theory applied to career development. Certainly this represents
one of the new faces of career development theory and practice."
--Norman E. Amundson, Professor of Counseling Psychology at the
University of British Columbia