Career inaction is a relatively new term coined by Belgian careers researcher Marijke Verbruggen to describe the lack of movement and decision making that can occur in regards to one’s career. Take a moment to think. Maybe you know someone (or you resonate with this yourself) who complains about their job on a daily basis but they never look for employment elsewhere. This is an example of career inaction.
If you feel like you are guilty of this, you may be but let’s take some time to really delve deeper into what this means. One of the most important parts of understanding career inaction is to understand that it follows a decision. In this sense, a person has a choice between two or more different alternatives and they have the control to choose between these alternatives. However, they simply do not choose an alternative that would make them happier or more content (Inkson, Dries & Arnold, 2015).
Career inaction also has the element of agency involved. You have the power and knowledge to change your situation – you are aware of your options, these options are available to you, and there is nothing standing in your way from choosing a different alternative (Inkson et al., 2015).
We see that career inaction concerns decisions which are followed by a lack of action or lack of change. It is imperative to understand that if you want to make a career change but are not in a space where you can afford to do so, or if you want a change but no alternatives are currently present, then that is a different case (Inkson et al., 2015). With career inaction, you have the alternatives, you have the knowledge, you are in a situation where you can make a change, and yet you are still stagnant. Not moving. Not changing your situation. But clearly unhappy and likely vocal about your unhappiness in your career.
It is said that inaction is more prevalent in the working population than decision. Why do you think that is? What factors cause us to stay where we are? Fear of the unknown is a large component. It can be hard to take the leap into something different when you’re not sure what you’re getting yourself into. Some people have the attitude of “the beast I know is better than the beast I don’t.” However, there may be something else at the root of the problem…
It is believed that career inaction is related to life regrets (Inkson et al., 2015). Research has found a pattern among career steps not taken by an individual. If an individual does not take a career step, it can lead to major regret, which can cause an individual to pass on the next attractive opportunity. Essentially, inaction causes further inaction. This is why career inaction can be such a dangerous thing and why it is so important we push ourselves to find career satisfaction. It is believed that once you turn down an attractive opportunity for whatever reason, it can cause inaction inertia and you are more likely to turn down the next objectively attractive opportunity (Inkson et al., 2015).
This idea of inaction inertia can explain why people become stuck in a career that they dislike, why people end up being unemployed long-term even after receiving multiple job offers, or why we have people with career goals that are not acted upon. Career goals not realized turn into distant dreams that we trick ourselves into believing have no potential to come true.
Career inaction can lead to negative thinking patterns and unhealthy coping strategies to deal with our current job we are unhappy in. Sand to Pearl Coaching is here to help you combat career inaction. You can gain awareness about your current situation, you can learn about labour market trends to make informed choices, you can become attractive in the labour market so exciting alternatives appear to you, you can attract career satisfaction, and you can build your career confidence and esteem. Don’t hesitate to reach out today – you do not want to find yourself with regrets.
I believe in you and I know you are deserving of career happiness.
I look forward to speaking with you about your career! Sabrina
References
Inkson, K., Dries, N. & Arnold, J. (2015). Understanding Careers (2nd ed.). Los Angeles, California: SAGE Publications Ltd.
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