Retrospective review of work transition narratives: Advancing occupational perspectives and strategies

In 2009 the journal WORK commenced a new column for the publication of Work Transition Narratives. Fourteen persons with lived experience published their narratives on approaches that helped them through work disruptions and change.

A review of the articles was conducted to understand how people navigated challenges and obstacles and made sense of their in-transition experiences to return to work or to find new employment.

A retrospective review was conducted using a convenience sample of N = 14 published narratives. A template approach was developed using micro (individual) and macro (social, cultural, political, structural) level issues to extract and analyze descriptive content. A senior researcher and two Masters of Science students independently reviewed the narratives and extracted data. A dialogic and inductive approach was used to achieve consensus on the description of the types of mechanisms used to move forward.

The mechanisms evident in the narratives used by people to navigate work disruptions included drawing on anchors, catalysts, champions, opportunities, learning, coming to terms, critical conversations, and critical reflections.

Mechanisms used to navigate in-transition experiences add to the knowledge on negotiating the dialectical relationship of micro and macro level challenges in occupational transitions of work. This review and analysis revealed commonly used strategies that may assist others in addressing in-transition work challenges. In addition, the findings have implications for ongoing research and the development of occupational mindfulness approaches that may help people through the overwhelming and often daunting experience of work transitions.