Management experts have observed that employment relationship has become contractual, fragile, and short-lived. Downsizings have resulted in some people having far too much work and stress, while increasing numbers have no work at all. As a result, people are taking jobs they do not really want and staying longer in jobs they do not really like. This author states that workforce preparation needs a holistic approach that includes awareness of some of the harsh realities of today's world--a world in which an employee's satisfaction is not always the employer's bottom line. This article discusses a holistic approach to career education that gives hope to students and their ability to have and enjoy their best career without depending on employers to make them happy.