Astrology and Careers

Rachel Zupek at Careerbuilder.com offers this overview of astrology and careers. Here's part of what she writes.

What's written in the stars?

Scorpio, Leo, Taurus and Cancer signs were the most likely to earn $100,000 or more per year while Aquarius and Capricorn signs were most likely to earn $35,000 or less, according to the survey, which included more than 8,700 workers and was conducted nationwide across industries.

Pisces, Sagittarius and Capricorn were the most satisfied with their current jobs, and Gemini and Cancer reported being the least satisfied.

There's more in the article, if you're inclined to read it. I'm not sure it says much. For example, Aquarians are described as "Independent, humane, innovative, unconventional and visionary," and they should do well as astronomers, photographers, and in the aviation and computer technology fields. Maybe so, but consider the next "sign", which is Pisces. What describes a Piscean? Empathy, unselfishness, spirituality. Sounds like someone who's humane and visionary to me. Could also be someone who is unconventional. A Pisces should do well in social work and personal care and guess what--IT (isn't that like computer technology?)

Let's look at another "sign": Taurus. Say the astrologers, someone born under this sign is "reliable, practical and honest...Taureans are methodical and work well in teams." Look at the careers suggested for these people--"artistic or extravagant things. Compatible professions include jobs in finance, accounting and interior design. Nursing, engineering, law, marketing, public relations and higher education also fit the bill for jobs attuned to Taureans..."  Yes, but there are big differences in the skills required between nursing and law as careers, and people who are good at p.r. might not necessarily shine in engineering. I know plenty of good teachers who aren't necessarily "team players." That's not a slam. That's a recognition of personal style.

People who believe in astrology cannot change their "birth signs." Suppose someone reads this story, takes it seriously and decides to change her career, sinking money into training or schooling for a new profession for which she is really not suited. What then? What if she believes the failure is somehow her fault, that she didn't try hard enough, because otherwise the stars tell her that she SHOULD succeed? What, seriously, is the use of this story in the career section of CNN's website?

Comments

[Awenman]

For years I have been telling astrology fans the truth of your post but they normally don't listen. Do believe in our higher self being able to see the future (from personal experience) and so have written a book about runestones, that I feel are a legitimate catalsyt to divination. As the saying goes: a word to the wise is sufficient but the foolish never learn.