From grounded consolidation to active detachment: the evolution of work centrality during involuntary career change

Purpose The aim of this paper is to understand how the work centrality of involuntary career changers is shaped by and evolves during the change process. Design/methodology/approach We conducted a qualitative longitudinal study leaning on three waves of semi-structured interviews with 16 career changers and a five-step deductive temporal thematic analysis. Findings Three patterns of evolutions of work centrality were discerned: work centrality (1) growing, (2) remaining the same, or (3) diminishing. The three patterns were illustrated through five processes labeled (1a) grounded consolidation, (2a) clinging consistency, (2b) variably justified stability, (3a) balancing in the making and (3b) active detachment. Originality/value Although it is recognized that career transitions can be disruptive events, less is known about how involuntary career changes unfold and influence work centrality in people's lives. Our findings contribute to a more processual, dynamic and life-event–sensitive understanding of this aspect and advocate for tailored, extended career interventions.