Career retention among skilled seasonal tourism workers during crises: the role of professional identity, psychological capital, and occupational community

This study explores how psychological and social resources influence career retention among skilled seasonal workers during industry disruptions, focusing on ski instructors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using interviews with 11 international instructors, the findings highlight the role of professional identity, psychological capital, and occupational communities in career decisions. While resilience and self-efficacy remained stable, optimism and hope fluctuated with external conditions. Occupational communities, more than employer ties, provided key support. The crisis exposed structural vulnerabilities in seasonal work, underscoring the need for tailored HR strategies. Insights contribute to building more sustainable employment practices in tourism’s increasingly uncertain and disrupted environment.