Transformation of “professional destiny” as a socio-psychological phenomenon of the 21st century

Context and relevance. The modern labor market is characterized by instability, digitalization, and a shift from the lifelong employment model to the paradigm of lifelong employability. In these conditions, changing one’s profession ceases to be an exceptional event driven by external circumstances and becomes a natural stage of professional development. However, a review of the literature reveals the problem of multiple and disparate concepts describing this phenomenon, as well as the absence of a unified theoretical approach to its explanation. This hinders further scientific inquiry and the development of practical tools for psychological support.
Objective. A theoretical analysis and systematization of psychological approaches to the phenomenon of career change as developed in Russian and international scholarship, aimed at drawing the scientific community's attention to the need for constructing an integrative model of career change and its underlying mechanisms.
Methodology. Analysis, systematization, and synthesis of classical and contemporary Russian and international approaches to career development and career change.
Conclusions. The phenomenon of career change is transforming from a singular crisis event into a conscious, value-driven choice that requires the development of specific metacompetencies in an individual. The systematization of existing approaches confirms the need to develop a unified theoretical model of career change. This would improve the practices of career counseling and professional training focused on multiple career transitions throughout an individual’s life.

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