THEY MUDDLED, JUMPED, AND SOMETIMES FLEW: WHEN PROFESSIONAL MEN IN THEIR THIRTIES MAKE A SELF-CHOSEN CAREER CHANGE

Christopher K. Bray

The research and literature on career and personal transitions have mainly focused on the mid-life career changer. Little research has been conducted with the man in his thirties who decides to make a career change when all seems to be going well. This qualitative Narrative Inquiry study was designed to understand the career transitions of men who make a self-chosen career change while in their thirties. It will seek to understand the fifteen participant's motive to change, process of transition and the lessons/reflections they experienced from the career transition.

The study's sample consists of fifteen men who made a decision to change careers in their thirties. Data for the study was obtained through 1-2 hour interviews and also a follow-up interview. The theoretical perspectives for this study center on adult development, career development and personal transitions.

The findings emanating from this study include: (1) all participants were compelled to change careers by some external or internal motivation. The specific motivation to change played a role in the success of the vocational transition; (2) the ability to reflect upon the motivations to change, and then apply the lessons learned throughout the transition process is a key aspect of the transition process; (3) choosing to transition careers is more than a career change, it becomes a significant life event; and (4) the importance of a strong support system throughout the transition process.