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Abstract
The Slow Career approach is based on the "Slow Movement," which includes "Slow Food," "Slow Money," and "Slow Design." Individuals who experience Slow Career recognize that a shift in career (i.e., being ready to move on or change direction, being downsized, not earning a sufficient salary, or failing to get a promotion) is a signal that provides them with the impetus to develop stronger life/career understanding in order to meet the demands of the workplace, employment market, and life in general. Slow Career is especially applicable to the growing population of forced or volunteer entrepreneurs, experienced workers entering encore careers, and young people who cannot find jobs in their area of specialty and who choose to "moonlight" to apply untested, but highly motivated skills. The article provides a Slow and Sustainable Lifework Model and Process that guides the reader in creating a map that addresses five key questions: (a) Who am I? (personal strengths), (b), How do my personal strengths meet the needs of an eco-conscious society? (research), (c) Where is life taking me? (goals/intention), (d) What is life suggestion? (action plan and timeline), (e) What are my sources of support? (internal and external). Futurists forecast that, in the long run, there is a need for the world to slow down due to the global over-consumption of finite resources. This article supports individuals who would be proud to have a life of quality, not necessarily quantity. The Slow Career approach to life is about the quality of relationships, not the fear-based drive for security.
Introduction
When exploring a new route, a hiker usually takes along a map or a guide. When driving to a new place, a driver refers to his map or electronic mapping device. Similarly, when exploring a new career path, individuals in transition can benefit by mapping out their journey and consulting career counselors, coaches, and business consultants.
The authors of this article, all of whom are full or part-time university instructors and educators of both traditional age and adult students, have entered their third quarter of life. Given the large population of Baby Boomers who are drawn, or being squeezed by the economy, to exploring active aging and alternative career routes, this article is directed primarily to the...