Older Workers and Bridge Employment: an Exploratory Study

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Older Workers and Bridge Employment: an Exploratory Study OLDER WORKERS AND BRIDGE EMPLOYMENT: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY by Lorene Burns Ulrich Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY In COUNSELOR EDUCATION Committee: Thomas H. Hohenshil, Ph.D., Co-Chair Jimmie Fortune, Ph.D., Co-Chair Pamelia Brott, Ph.D. Dale Conrad, Ed.D. Karen A. Roberto, Ph.D. March 20, 2003 Blacksburg, VA Keywords: older workers, bridge jobs, retirement, grounded theory, late career OLDER WORKERS AND BRIDGE EMPLOYMENT: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY by Lorene Burns Ulrich Thomas H. Hohenshil, Ph.D., Co-Chair Jimmie Fortune, Ph.D., Co-Chair (ABSTRACT) Using grounded theory methodology, the purpose of the study was to examine the transition experiences of older workers who retired from their long-term careers and who were working in bridge jobs. After interviewing 24 participants, a theory emerged that describes the decision to seek a bridge job, the strategies used, the problems faced, and the benefits received. The decision to retire is connected with the decision to seek a bridge job. Participants planned but mainly focused on their finances; no participant sought help from a career counseling professional. They faced challenges such as age discrimination and problems switching to a new position. Participants reported that they live a more balanced life and enjoy their bridge job. The core theme from the study is bridge employment redefines retirement. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Since 1996, I have learned that my life does not necessarily follow the course that I had planned or had wished for. Although these unexpected events many times are devastating at the time of occurrence, they can generate new and better life outcomes. My decision to pursue a Ph.D. was influenced by one of these unexpected events. Completing this degree has been an arduous but a rewarding journey. I did not take this journey alone but was helped by many special people in my life. I had an exceptional Ph.D. Committee who respected my past experience, listened to my ideas, and shared their expertise. Dr. Hohenshil, my committee’s chair, directed me through the Virginia Tech doctoral maze. I greatly appreciated his flexibility with my program and his willingness to accept a different research approach. I was relieved when Dr. Fortune agreed to continue his role as my research chair when he ventured into retirement. Dr. Roberto added a needed dimension to my program, and I was glad that she gently made sure that I did not leave my gerontology “roots.” Dr Conrad was a great teacher when he took me under his wing at New River Community College, and I valued his continued support especially when he had a tragic loss in his life – the death of his wife, Sue. Dr. Brott was my dissertation lifesaver by patiently guiding me through the intricate process of grounded theory. Without our “devil’s advocate” sessions, a theory never would have emerged nor a core message would have surfaced. I truly value my network of friends. As I did in 1996, I relied on their friendship for support and encouragement. Throughout this journey, I was constantly receiving reassurance (i.e., yes, going back to school at my age was a good idea!) from my California girlfriends, the “Ladies Who Do,” my lunch buddies (a.k.a. canoe specialists), and my new “dirt road” friends. I would like to describe how each friend made a difference, but unfortunately, my space is limited. However, I must recognize Denise Loftus because she is an exceptional friend. Her notes, her calls, and her visits meant much to me. I am blessed with a wonderful family. Other than forgetting about my defense, my older (I like to remind her) sister, Elizabeth, has always been a “Lorene supporter.” When I publish my book, her picture will be on the cover as the model bridge employee. Although, I know my older brother was skeptical about me returning to school and about the topic of working in retirement, I am sure that he supported me in his heart. My cousins, Tom and David, need to be acknowledged for their ongoing patience in helping the city Ulrich’s adjust to country living. When I started this journey, I was a wife and a mother. Along the way, I took on a new and a most rewarding role - a grandmother. Grace has given me a new life perspective. I hope that I will be able to show Grace and her soon-to-be born brother that it only “takes patience and perseverance” to become whatever they want to be. I know that my two daughters, Gretchen and Marla, are proud that their Mother took on this challenge. I, too, am very proud of their life accomplishments – much more than I could ever do. They are very strong and determined women while at the same time they are most sensitive to those people around them. Gretchen went on her own to Argentina to learn a new language and to Colorado Springs to complete her Masters Degree. Within five years, she has firmly established herself within the distance education field and has many future career opportunities available to her. Gretchen is the most loving mother that I know. This past year, she has had to make some very difficult but good decisions to ensure that she and her children lead a better life. I am confident that she has iv the inner strength to make it happen. She just needs to believe what Grace keeps telling her, “the sun will come out tomorrow.” Marla is an accomplished photographer and a good friend to everyone. Marla, too, left her home territory and moved to Los Angeles to find her niche. Entering into a very competitive career field, she did not give up and soon found a position that offered new learning experiences and many challenges. Regardless of her struggles, she gained 10 years of skills and experience in only four years, ventured to new lands, and maintained her sense of identity and purpose. And at the same time, she was always there for Gretchen, her Father, and me. I foresee a very successful and creative future for Marla. My Ph.D. belongs to my husband, Greg. When I introduced the idea about going back to school, he without hesitation endorsed the idea and convinced me to go ahead. He changed his own life to make me happy. How can I ever repay him for picking up stakes and moving to Southwest Virginia; putting up with the long commute to Washington, DC; finding the ideal country location for us; selecting the perfect house to build; overseeing every detail of the building of our new home; tolerating of the countless hours I spent focusing only on my courses or research; and understanding my whining about the loss of city amenities? Our life has taken several unexpected turns, and I believe these turns will keep on happening. However, I am I confident that even after 33 years of marriage our relationship will keep growing and together we will make these unexpected events turn into new opportunities. v TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................... 1 RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY ..................................................................................................................................... 2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM .................................................................................................................................. 2 Financial Security of Older Adults...................................................................................................................... 2 Tight Labor Market ............................................................................................................................................. 3 Career Transition Barriers.................................................................................................................................. 4 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY............................................................................................................................................ 5 Research Questions ............................................................................................................................................. 5 Limitations of the Study....................................................................................................................................... 5 Definitions of Terms ............................................................................................................................................ 5 SUMMARY................................................................................................................................................................. 6 CHAPTER II REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ................................................................................................. 7 AGING THEORY......................................................................................................................................................... 7 Life Span Theory ................................................................................................................................................. 7 Social Meanings of Aging.................................................................................................................................... 8 Continuity Theory................................................................................................................................................ 8 CAREER DEVELOPMENT THEORY.............................................................................................................................
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