The Skidmore College Career Development Center believes that the principals of the Chaos Theory of Careers to be most applicable for liberal arts students in the current economic climate. In this model, career development is recognized as a dynamic system characterized by complexity, interconnectedness, and susceptibility to change.

The following is part of the CDC’s Encouraging Stories Series featuring members of the Class of 2009.  During the last major economic downturn, these individuals exhibited these characteristics as they navigated the early stages of their own careers.  Below are stories and advice in their own words.

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In what ways has your career path since Skidmore been non-linear? How did your Skidmore experience inform this path? 

After graduating in 2009, I moved back home with my parents and applied to - no exaggeration - 75 jobs. All were entry-level and required little previous work experience. I had done banquet serving at a local country club during summer breaks from college and had also worked at the Skidmore Cafe for all four years and it was looking more and more likely that the only position I had any chance of getting was as a barista. After being rejected from all of the positions I had applied to, a position that paid $10/hour plus benefits at a coffee shop wasn't looking too bad!

About a week before interviewing at Starbucks, I heard about WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms). I had studied abroad in Milan, Italy during my junior year and was desperate to return to Europe so instead of gearing up in the green apron and refining my latte-making skills, I filled out the application and was matched with an organic farmer in central Italy who produced wine and olive oil. It was hands-down the best decision I could have made. The unique experience of living in a remote area and doing farm work all day not only allowed me to meet some very interesting characters but it also set me apart from other applicants when I returned home and started the job hunt again. I met people from around the world, was able to travel more, and continued to hone my Italian language skills. By the time I returned to the States, the economy had improved enough that I was able to join the workforce.  It helped that my Skidmore roommate from freshman year was working at an organization that had an opening and she put in a good word for me. That job led to every other career move I've made since then. Because of the people I met at that first job, I found positions with my subsequent two employers. What they say is true - it's all about who you know! 

What kinds of knowledge or skills did you unexpectedly use to navigate a difficult economic period? 

The number one thing I had to be was flexible. I thought it would be easy to find a job after college. Skidmore is a great school and I had been a good student with solid experience. As I continued to face rejection or worse, the dreaded lack of response to my applications, I realized it wasn't going to be as easy as I'd hoped or planned. I was very fortunate to have parents who were able and (I think!) happy to have me back at home during this time. I had assumed that I'd be living in the city with friends at age 22, working and dating and doing the things I'd always seen on TV and movies. Instead, I lived the rather unglamorous life of waking up in a sleepy central MA town, commuting 1.5+ hours roundtrip to work, and going home to a quiet night with my parents. Don't get me wrong, I truly valued this time with my family and was also able to save money on rent and utilities for when I finally was able to move out on my own. I know I wouldn't have made it through this difficult time without the love and support of my parents. 

What insights or advice do you have for others with similar backgrounds, or pursuing a similar path? 

I think the two most important things I learned from this difficult time were to take risks and to not be afraid to lean on family and friends. I don't know what my path would have been if I hadn't run away to Europe for a few months to escape the economic downturn and learn new skills. I likely would have taken the barista job, the expected choice, and missed out on the opportunity to try something completely unfamiliar. I know that my career path would have definitely been different had I not kept in touch with my Skidmore roommate and used the work connections she had to land that first job. Because of her, I was able to find a field I love and in which I have thrived. My life would have most assuredly been more difficult had I not had family who could take me in and offer me support as I navigated entering the workforce and landing on my own two feet. I would not have had the luxury of being able to take the risks that led to this path. I know how hard it can be to ask for help but sometimes it's just what you need to find yourself.