Finding one’s Occupational Path – Identity Content in Repeated Narratives Across Early Adulthood

Abstract

ABSTRACT Early adulthood comprises an important period for occupational identity development; therefore, the aim of this study is to understand which occupational experiences continue to be a stable part of the narrative identity across early adulthood. In interviews with 59 individuals about their occupational identity at ages 25, 29, and 33, 544 narratives and 142 sets of repeated narratives were found. A thematic narrative analysis of the repeated narratives was conducted. The experiences that continued to be a stable part of the occupational identity across early adulthood concerned the birth of an interest that led to occupational orientation, different outcomes of occupational exploration, having a compass for occupational direction, and passively ending up in an occupation. External influences on occupational decisions also continued to be a part of the occupational identity. The results are discussed in relation to different levels of identity content, highlighting how the importance of societal structures and cultural norms, as well as social roles, for occupational identity can be revealed through repeated narratives.