Abstract
In this chapter, Scillio explores a case study of a person in the middle of a career transition. Sharon, burnt out by stress and overwork in a consulting firm, is reconstructing her career and trying to become a psychologist. The case study highlights her continuing struggle to find fulfilling work and achieve independence. A key theme explored is the way her new professional path promises a framework for her identity and a sense of career security. Another theme is the role of psychological self-work. The important concept of possible selves is introduced, as a way to understand Sharon’s deliberations and how she makes her career story.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Giddens, A. (1991). Modernity and self-identity: Self and society in the late modern age. Cambridge: Polity Press.
Ibarra, H. (2007). Identity transitions: Possible selves, liminality and the dynamics of voluntary career change. Fontainebleau, France: INSEAD.
Kohut, H. (1971). The analysis of the self. New York: International Universities Press.
Markus, H., & Nurius, P. (1986). Possible selves. American Psychologist, 41(9), 954–969.
Van Gennep, A. (1960 [1908]). The rites of passage. (M. B. Vizedom & G. L. Cafee, Trans.). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 The Author(s)
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Scillio, M. (2017). Sharon – Discovering a Profession. In: Making Career Stories. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55179-1_11
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55179-1_11
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-55178-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-55179-1
eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)