Redirection: an extension of career during retirement.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This study explores (a) whether retirees' formal volunteer experiences represent an extension of their career in the paid workforce; and (b) how this integration of life roles affects career self-concept, as interpreted through Donald Super's life-span, life-space theory of career development. DESIGN AND METHODS A survey was conducted involving a Canadian sample of 214 individuals aged 55-75 years to examine retirees' volunteer activities and their sense of self. RESULTS The results demonstrate the need to further develop Super's theory with the addition of a new developmental stage, which I am labeling "Redirection" to better reflect postretirement experiences. During "Redirection," retirees develop a "new self." IMPLICATIONS This study indicates that retirees experienced a new stage of "Redirection" and found new meaning through volunteer work during retirement. The results will be of interest to professionals and researchers focused on career development, older workers, and retirement.