theories of most vocational counsellors and clients. The “match” metaphor raises
however both conceptual and practical problems. What are the most important
characteristics of a person and of a work environment? How “measurable” are they and
how accurately are they measured? etc. The critical problem the metaphor raises is
promoting a statistical image of one’s career in the context of a dynamic process. In case
of very quick or unexpected social, economic, and professional changes the metaphor
may limit (psychologically speaking) one’s alternatives.
The journey metaphor
This is one of the most common career metaphors, mentioned both in literature and in
everyday speech. The metaphor starts out by conceptualising career as a “geographic”
movement between jobs, occupations, organizations, etc. The journey metaphor is
attractive since it integrates movement in time and space, offering the possibility of
grouping several information types under a single umbrella. The problem the metaphor
generates originates in the very generic nature of the journey concepts. A journey can
have countless characteristics: optional destination, fast or low, ascending or descending,
etc.
In general, the journey metaphor allows career analysis from two perspectives: behaviour
of the “traveller” (the micro component), and “the path” the traveller takes (the macro
component). So far counselling has concentrated on the first component, while from the
point of view of organizations the second component is more interesting. In career it is
important to integrate the two major components of metaphor, and undergo complex
career analysis from these various perspectives.
The social network metaphor
McMahon and Patton (1999, apud Inkson, 2002) stressed the necessity to integrate the
system of social relations that model and are modelled by career into the concept of
career. Thus, finding employment is closely connected to the person’s system of social
relationships, which can offer information or recommendations in view of employment.
To create a favourable social network has become a way of life. In addition, a series of
micro-abilities have gained importance: personal promotion, impression management,
reputation building, etc. A career is thus often conceptualised as “a personal work-
oriented political campaign”.
The theatre metaphor – career as role
This type of metaphor has also been used in the conceptualisation of organizations, being
seen as a scene on which employers (actors) play various parts, wear certain costumes
(uniforms), and their activity is mainly “directed” by a manager.