A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF MID-LIFE CAREER TRANSITIONS AMONG EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN WOMEN

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the personal and professional factors that motivate evangelical Christian women to make career transitions in mid-life. Erikson’s psychosocial development (1980), Dweck’s (2006) growth mindset, and Fowler’s (1981) faith development served as the theoretical underpinnings of the study. The research sample consisted of five mid-life women who made at least one career transition in mid-life. Semi-structured interviews yielded rich and detailed information regarding the women’s experiences as mid-life professionals. The interview data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed to determine emergent themes. Results of the study revealed that having a growth mindset, strong personal supports, life balance, vibrant faith, and frequent solitude experiences were influences on the women’s professional lives and mid-life career transitions