Career crafting for extending working lives: theorising experiences of later-career

Populations in industrial economies are ageing, creating socio-economic pressures and prompting HRM policies to extend working lives (EWLs). While such policies have had some impact, economic inactivity among those aged over 60 remains a widespread concern. This paper contributes to the HRM literature first, by theorising later-career and second, by empirically examining the experiences of later-career managers and professionals who used the self-initiated tactic for EWLs of career-crafting through bridge work. The paper synthesis identity theorising traditions to integrate micro and macro levels of analysis of EWLs. Seventy participants were recruited, and an innovative on-line qualitative data-generation instrument was used. Thematic analysis of the extensive qualitative data was conducted and an r4R model of identity-regulation ‘r’ and of four forms of identity-work ‘R’ emerged. Two conceptual contributions are made. First, understanding of the systemic structural discrimination experienced by older-workers is advanced and second, the agency of older-workers to overcome such disadvantage through identity-work to resist, restore, rejuvenate or reinvent themselves in later-career is demonstrated. The theorising supports the key insight that actions to EWLs are insufficient in themselves and reinforcement by enhanced engagement in later-career is required. Theoretical conclusions are drawn and HRM policy and practice interventions are explained.