Uncertainty in Work-Related Transitions over the Life Course

Many aspects of one’s life are uncertain due to missing information about situations, probabilistic events, and decision outcomes. In this article, we argue and show that diverse perspectives from lifespan development as well as work and organizational psychology can be integrated into a fuller picture of individuals’ experiences of work-related transitions over the life course through the lens of uncertainty. Drawing from a panel discussion among several of the authors and the literature in aging, career, work, and retirement research, we develop an integrative conceptual framework that differentiates between exogenous and endogenous sources of uncertainty and highlights macro-, meso-, and micro-level sources of individuals’ experience of uncertainty as they navigate work-related transitions. Moreover, we discuss sources of uncertainty in perceptions, evaluations, and decisions during work-related transitions. Based on our framework, we propose a roadmap with recommendations for future research, which include (1) the conceptualization and operationalization of uncertainty based on perspectives common in aging, career, work, and retirement research, (2) the understanding of why and when aspects of uncertainty in work-related transitions can be challenges yet also provide new opportunities, and (3) organizational and policy measures that can help individuals successfully manage these uncertainties over the life course.