In the dominant American culture, work is also competitive in nature (Savickas,

2000b). It is what defines individuals and separates one person from another (Savickas,

1989b). Work that is difficult to define may even contribute to identity problems for the

individuals who perform that function (Savickas, 1989b). Take, for example, mothers

who do not work outside of the home. From 'stay-at-home moms' to 'domestic

engineers', labeling and defining the work of others is important within this society. In

contrast, love is relational (Savickas, 1989b).

 Savickas (1989b) contends that an imbalance of these two constructs in either

direction can cause psychological distress. Those who love too much attach personal,

relational attributes to their work and have difficulty when work is not rewarding in the

present (Savickas, 1989b). Alternatively, those who work too much may have difficulty

enjoying present activities and are always delaying reward (Savickas, 1989b). These

concepts become more important within the narrative career counseling movement in that

they illustrate the use of metaphor and stories to describe and, ultimately address, career

counseling issues. By changing a "work story" to a "love story" counselors can help

clients co-author new, balanced narratives (Savickas, 1989b).

 A leader in the exploration of narrative career counseling, Larry Cochran

continues to develop narrative career counseling models. In 1992, he proposed the idea

that career exploration can be viewed as a "career project." These projects involve the

stories used to bring together topics of concern, tasks or actions, personal themes,

accomplishments, and meaning (Cochran, 1992). Like Chen and Brott, he emphasized

the importance of both themes and tasks in the creation of a career project. He expanded

upon this idea by outlining the results of a successful career project including tangible

accomplishments such as a degree orjob, the cultivation of personal characteristics such