Dissertation: Vocational Career Change: A Substantive Theory of Transitions in Life Structures

What are you researching?

I am researching the phenomenon of changing careers, and in particular what the process of career change is like, what the reasons are for doing so, and at what stage of life people changes careers. I am also investigating how a career change is carried out, what choices are involved in making such a change, and what happens afterwards. In my research, a career change refers to an event in which an adult moves from one vocational field to another in the labour market through adult vocational education and training.

What were the results of your research, or what is its main finding?

The development of a substantive theory of transitions in life structures is based on interview data. According to my research, a career change is a complex event that constitutes a significant change in an adult’s life, which is reflected in both their work and other areas of their life. It involves a shift in an adult’s life orientation, in which their perception of themselves, their work and their life changes.

During this transition in one’s life, people identify aspects of their life and work that they wish to change. At the same time, they reflect on how to live a life that is true to them and suits them. Through this change, they seek suitable work that fits the life they aspire to. A career change is a means of bringing about the desired change. My research shows that working life is not a sphere separate from the rest of life; rather, the impetus for change can come from any area of life. A transition in one’s life involves reconciling work and private life, as well as striking a balance between the different aspects of life.

How can the findings be applied? What new insights did the study provide on this topic?

The substantive theory of transitions in life structures encompasses both the areas of work and private life. Change and its consequences are reflected in both. For an employee, a career change can be a way of improving well-being at work and coping with the demands of the job, particularly if their current job no longer meets their expectations or needs. A career change strengthens the sense of meaning in both work and private life and improves quality of life. Recognizing this offers an opportunity to examine the consequences of change more holistically at the intersection of work, education and private life.

MA (Educ.) Leena Ikonen defends her doctoral dissertation in education "Vocational Career Change: A Substantive Theory of Transitions in Life Structures" on Friday 23 October 2026 at 12.00 in Room S212 of the Seminarium building at the University of Jyväskylä. The Opponent is Professor Emerita Eija Kärnä (University of Eastern Finland) and Custos is Research Professor Taina Saarinen (University of Jyväskylä). The language of the dissertation event is Finnish.

Further information: Leena Ikonen, leena.a.ikonen@jyu.fi