The Musical Avenue Analysis

a. Which have you believed? Where did you learn them? Why do you think they are perpetuated?
I have always thought that there was a “perfect occupation waiting for me somewhere out there”. While this myth to me sounds like a very positive outlook, I can appreciate how it can become an obstacle for someone that cannot seem to find that perfect occupation. I have found myself with a great job and not put much effort because I had insecurities about finding a better one. These same insecurities can become an issue while in college with the myth of picking the right major and how it will determine your career. There is a level of anxiety behind choosing your major while in college. I had enormous stress over choosing psychology. It was only when I focused on the process of learning (in my case psychology) that I became interested in my choice. As probably others will do, I BLAME the media for providing social narratives (loaded with a sense of generalized anxiety) about how we encounter our occupations. We are fed with romanticized versions of what actually happens when developing ourselves professionally. I guess that a movie about a confused student trying to find his path is not as interesting as
a movie of a student pursuing his passion. We can argue that these myths are perpetuated because they fit the demand of a society that longs for a perfect road to success…like in the movies.
b.
Listen to the song “Purpose” from the musical Avenue Q linked. How does this song both perpetuate and challenge the myths?
In a complete rejection to the idea that I tried to portray about the media in the question above, this song provides with a satirical view of individuals looking for their “purpose”. It beautifully portrays the drive to find meaning in what we do. While the song tells of a person trying to find a purpose is perpetuating the myth, it has a hint of satire that makes me question the almost ridiculous nature of finding our one and only purpose.
c. Why do you think I’m starting a career counseling class by both having you listen to the song and read about the myths? Discuss how both impact your thinking about what it means to help someone find a
career.
Both the song and the list of myths seem to be different ways to illustrate themes around developing the ability to realistically find a career. Using multiple ways to illustrate this to a client can help in the first session to allow room for individuals to consider misconceptions about their career development. Some individuals might also click with reading while others will connect with the hilarious song.