Applying Existential Theory and Intervention to Career Decision-Making

Abstract

This paper presents a four-stage model of career decision-making based on an existential theoretical perspective. Existential themes such as freedom, responsibility, meaning, and authenticity are examined for their applicability to career decision-making across the life span. The author submits that career satisfaction and stability is obtained when there is a correspondence between the vocation and the meaning and opportunities for authentic existence that the vocation provides. Failure to acquire opportunities for meaning and authentic existence in individual's occupations result in an existential vacuum and existential guilt, respectively. Conceptualization of career decision-making from an existential perspective may be particularly beneficial for individuals making mid-career changes. Case studies are provided to elucidate the stages of the model and to specify the career counseling interventions that are most relevant for the various stages. Research implications as well as limitations of this model are also discussed.