From Professional to Domestic: The Narrative Role Disorienta-tion Experienced by Women Leaving the Workforce

Authors

  • Irma Tiana Cahyaningrum Universitas Islam Indonesia
  • Jaya Addin Linando Universitas Islam Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/ijems.v4i3.60

Keywords:

Women Leaving the Work-force, Identity, Time, Activi-ty, Role Disorientation

Abstract

How do women experience life after leaving the workforce and transitioning into domestic roles? This study uses a qualitative phenomenological approach to analyze the changes women experience when shifting from professional to domestic roles. Specifically, it explores how the loss of professional routines can lead to role disorientation for women who have left the workforce. The findings reveal that ceasing work creates significant disruptions in three key areas of life: identity, time, and activity. Women describe this disorientation as feelings of awkwardness, confusion, emptiness, and a persistent sense that something is missing from their daily lives. These findings affirm that leaving the workforce is a transitional experience that shakes the foundation of women’s lives, not merely a change in status

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2026-07-28

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