Waiting for a career epiphany – a barrier to career decision-making?

Abstract

The desire for a career epiphany, a sudden realisation of a future career, can often feature as an unspoken wish in career conversations with students and graduates. This yearning for certainty causes indecisiveness, a fear of making the wrong decision or a ‘not yet’ conclusion. In this qualitative research study, students and graduates confirmed themes of meta-indecision, a decision to not make a decision. Advice from graduates, careers advisers and employability academics challenged the need for absolute certainty as a prerequisite for first career decisions. This article argues that students and graduates can break through analysis paralysis and shape ‘good enough’ career plans.