September Fast Company Article Kari Fruechte

Pink, Daniel H., What Happened to Your Parachute, Fast Company, p 238 - 246, September, 1999.

I first heard of the book, "What Color is Your Parachute," by Richard Bolles, when I was in college. I remember reading at least parts of it as I prepared to enter the job hunt. It had interesting concepts about assertiveness in seeking the job you really wanted, and some quizzes to find out what type of job you were really suited for.

The article looked at how job hunting and careers have changed, or not changed, in the thirty years since Bolles' book was written. He actually cited more things that have remained constant than changes, which I felt was quite interesting. Bolles sees the major changes as jobs being more temporary, more of an adventure, a step in the learning process, and a place where the work has to be satisfying. What he feels hasn't changed are the meaning to the word "career", the best ways to find the job you want, the fear of rejection, human nature and the ability to thrive and survive with a positive attitude.

Connecting Bolles' points to the organization of the Extension Service was an easy fit for me. The University of Minnesota Extension Service constantly talks about change and reinvention. In the seven years I have worked here, we have been exposed to three different Dean and Directors, undergone at least two "unveilings" of the shape of new things to come, and continuously discussed prioritizing as a response to change. How has my job changed through all of this? Very little, I think. I still keep up the programs that worked well when I began this career, and continue to develop new programs in response to what the people around me need. Yes, I respond to changes, but like the author, I feel there are more constants than changes in the job I actually do year to year.

What has remained constant are the people I work with and many of their concerns. Living in a rural county, our challenges have continued to be dealing with a declining population, youth leaving the area, and attracting new industries. The concerns I deal with in families and youth continue to be parenting skills, finding quality time together, communication, and keeping the 4-H program afloat. Just because the concerns remain somewhat constant, that doesn't mean I address them the same way through every program. But it does mean that I do not jump unto the change wagon every time I hear of more "changes" coming through the Extension Service.

I think we can stress ourselves out easily if we let ourselves be driven by changes. I really thought Bolles' concept of keeping the constants in mind was helpful in leading a more stable life and being able to focus on the important parts of my job. Two coworkers that I discussed this concept with seemed to have varying degrees of feelings about it. One tends to get pretty worked up when she hears of change on the horizon. She wants to know all the details and actually gets fearful that job cuts may be in order. She tends to be more open to beginning new programs, and launching some big programs to fit the changes of today. The other coworker has been in Extension many years and doesn't get too shook up when the word of more changes comes. She deals with the changes she needs to adjust to, and appreciates many needed changes, especially around technology. She tells me her basic reasons for enjoying her job are still the same, even as her position changes to keep up with the times.

Along with the author, I have to give credit to Richard Bolles for having a book on the bestseller list for 30 years. That made this article and his words of wisdom particularly worth reading and thinking about to me.

-- Anonymous, October 06, 1999