Supporting clients through career shocks: metaphorical thinking, scenario-based role play, and career narratives

Abstract

Purpose – This practitioner insights essay examines how career development professionals can support individuals in preparing for, navigating, and recovering from career shocks. Design/methodology/approach – Grounded in scholarly research and enriched by practice-based insights, the essay presents three applied and accessible tools for integration into everyday career guidance settings. Findings – Practitioners who integrate (1) metaphorical thinking, (2) scenario-based role play, and (3) career narratives into their work can enable clients to prepare for, navigate, and recover from career shocks. Metaphors help normalize uncertainty, role play builds behavioral preparedness, and narrative work fosters reflection and re-authoring of career direction. Practical implications – Career professionals can enhance client outcomes by embedding reflective and experiential tools into their practice. These tools help clients anticipate change, navigate transition, and recover with purpose, while contributing to fostering career sustainability. Originality/value – While the concept of career shocks has gained traction in the scholarly literature, its translation into practical guidance remains limited. By addressing individual and systemic dimensions of support, this essay bridges that gap, offering a practice-oriented, theory-informed contribution.