title: Learning in occupational transitions: a study of the process following job loss.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article examines how workers supported by outplacement services engage with an occupational transition through problem solving and learning.
  
  
  METHODS
  The participants were 23 mid-life redundant white collar workers with at least eight years in their sector, organization or occupation. The selected interviewees either participated in training to broaden their professional competence or did not make any such 'expansive' efforts.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was based on narrative interviews, which enabled a detailed cross case examination of individuals' actions and choices and how the process unfolds over time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed that people treat their job loss as a practical problem to be solved using various strategies. This problem-solving process is structured, with people passing similar crossroads defining particular challenges and opportunities giving people limited sets of choices.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results point to the significance of creativity and learning in occupational transitions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Behaviour Sciences and learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. anders.hallqvist@liu.se
authors.forename: Anders
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hallqvist
authors.forename: Lars-Christer
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Hydén
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007858:Learning; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D033262:Narration; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D011361:Professional Competence; D014478:Unemployment / Q000523:psychology*