Emotional Dynamics and Work-related Identity Loss and Recovery during Involuntary Career Change

In today’s job market characterized by complex, volatile, and turbulent career trajectories and transitions, involuntary career changes have emerged as a timely topic deserving additional research inquiry (Masdonati et al., 2022). Involuntary career changes, particularly those resulting from job loss or health issues, present significant hurdles for individuals. These changes elicit complex emotional experiences and necessitate important adaptations in daily routines, social roles, and identity. Yet, there is limited understanding of the emotional and identity processes involved in these transitions, highlighting the need for further research inquiry in this area.
The theoretical framework of work-related identity loss and recovery, proposed by Conroy and O’Leary-Kelly’s (2014) serves as a useful lens through which to explore the emotional and identity- related processes experienced by individuals facing involuntary career changes. This framework emphasizes the role of emotions in work-related identity transitions, shedding light on how individuals adapt to involuntary career changes over time. Indeed, emotions shape the experience of involuntary career change, from the initial loss event (e.g., disorientation, denial), through identity disruption and loss orientation (e.g., grief, frustration, anger, sadness, embarrassment), to a restoration orientation state (e.g., curiosity, excitement), potentially leading to post-loss identity and the reconstruction of identity equilibrium.
Using this theoretical lens, the current qualitative longitudinal study delves into the emotional and identity processes involved in involuntary career changes due to job loss and health-related issues. Two waves of semi-structured interviews with 12 career changers were conducted at a one- year interval and analyzed through Neale’s (2021) longitudinal qualitative framework. Findings suggest that participants undergo an identity loss process marked by feelings of insecurity, disorientation, and shock. However, career changers exhibit distinct different patterns of identity- related trajectories over time, associated with various emotions. Some participants remained in a state of identity loss syndrome, struggling to let go of their previous work-related identity and experiencing significant emotional turmoil in the form of frustration, and obstination. In contrast, others engage in identity-related transitions, exploring new identities within a liminal space. This process is characterized by complex emotional patterns, fluctuating between anxiety and uncertainty, and optimism and curiosity. Some career changers, particularly those who actively constructed a continuity between their old and new job roles, seem to recover their identity and adapt to their new work situation. Finally, certain career changers seem to experience identity authenticity and fulfillment through a new, meaningful career; they take advantage of the experience of loss to redefine their work and non-work identities.
These contrasted trajectories stress the multifaceted and dynamic nature of emotional experiences and identity processes during involuntary career changes. Our study unravels the complex interaction between emotions, identity, and adaptation processes in response to career transitions. It also provides knowledge of the heterogeneous individual trajectories during such career disruptions, informing career guidance and counseling.