Redirection: an extension of career during retirement.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
This study explores (a) whether retirees' formal volunteer experiences represent an extension of their career in the paid workforce; and (b) how this integration of life roles affects career self-concept, as interpreted through Donald Super's life-span, life-space theory of career development.


DESIGN AND METHODS
A survey was conducted involving a Canadian sample of 214 individuals aged 55-75 years to examine retirees' volunteer activities and their sense of self.


RESULTS
The results demonstrate the need to further develop Super's theory with the addition of a new developmental stage, which I am labeling "Redirection" to better reflect postretirement experiences. During "Redirection," retirees develop a "new self."


IMPLICATIONS
This study indicates that retirees experienced a new stage of "Redirection" and found new meaning through volunteer work during retirement. The results will be of interest to professionals and researchers focused on career development, older workers, and retirement.
['Cook|Suzanne L|SL|']
D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D000375:Aging D002170:Canada D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D011788:Quality of Life D012179:Retirement D012649:Self Concept D012941:Social Responsibility D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D014838:Volunteers
Retirement Donald Super Career development Volunteerism and civic engagement Work (after retirement occupation)