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? 

When I graduated, all my peers were focused on finding work in the city, pursuing careers in areas they studied. I decided that I was going to come home to where I grew up to save money by waitressing for six months, and then travel and explore what my heart was telling me to do. I wanted to be outside, in nature, and use my hands. I feel after years and years of traditional education, I wanted to learn in new ways, from experience. I decided to be a WWOOF volunteer in New Zealand for six months. WWOOF means "willing workers on organic farms" and I work traded for housing/car/food for 4-6 hours of work a day on ten different farms/homesteads. I learned SO much about farming, but also learned a lot about myself and the lifestyle I wanted for myself. After New Zealand and a summer riding my bike across Europe camping every night, I was finally broke and went home to get a job. I decided to continue my passion, and worked at a local organic farm and kitchen. I have been here ever since, and my community relies on me and my farm to provide especially in this time. I'm glad I didn't take the traditional route, and instead followed my passion and my lifestyle choice.

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

I decided that I would put aside my pride and move back home and live with my parents. I would use my skills as a waitress to make money in a way I knew how, to buffer my future travel expenses. I think I also learned to use my education in non-traditional ways, but still use the skills I acquired. My education at Skidmore always taught me that creative thought mattered. And once I could see that running a farm business used my psychology skills AND my artistic creative skills, I went all in. Every day I manage people, and work with customers - I rely on my knowledge about psychology and the mind. I also create all our signage, designed our website, established social media accounts and create content, and market to our customers. This is very much because I am artistic and creative, and I find I can use the farm as a creative outlet daily.  

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

Skidmore students are different. We are creative and we think outside the box. I think if you trust yourself to find something that lights your soul on fire and you can look outside what others are telling you to do, you will find your purpose and navigate this hard time. You might just find yourself in a different career that is even more suited for you, like I did. Also, don't be afraid to take a job that you feel is "below" you after you just got your degree. Everyone is in this place right now, and honestly it really pays off to start at the bottom and work your way up in the workforce. Skills in the classroom don't always apply to real life, but you will learn new ones in whatever field you try.