The reflection of romantic relationship experiences on occupational choice and career decisions: A phenomenological research

The purpose of this study is to investigate how individuals experience and make sense of romantic relationships in relation to their occupational choice and career decision-making processes. The research was conducted within the framework of phenomenology, one of the qualitative research methods. The working group consists of 19 participants aged between 26 and 53, including 11 women and 8 men. Participants were selected using purposive sampling methods, including criterion sampling, snowball sampling, and maximum diversity sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview form. The data analyzed within the framework of thematic structures and codes based on the interview questions. The analysis of the data revealed nine themes: factors influencing career choice, the impact of romantic relationships on career choice, the impact of romantic relationships on career decisions, the reflection of the impact of romantic relationships on career choice on satisfaction levels, the reflection of the impact of romantic relationships on career decisions on satisfaction levels, reevaluating the professional decision-making process in the impact of romantic relationships on career choice, reevaluating the career decision-making process in the impact of romantic relationships on career decisions, the impact of romantic relationships on future career decisions, and recommendations for those who wish to make changes in their career due to the impact of romantic relationships. Research findings reveal that romantic relationships have a decisive influence on individuals' career choices and, in particular, career decisions. A supportive attitude from a partner positively influences career choices and decisions, while a restrictive and obstructive attitude from a partner can negatively impact these decisions. Romantic relationships, especially marriage and parenthood, have been found to have a strong influence on career decisions. The impact of marriage and having children leads to interruptions in female participants' career decisions due to childcare and household responsibilities, as well as the loss of opportunities resulting from moving to another city, while it determines male participants' career decisions due to supporting their partner in childcare and assuming income-generating roles. As a result of the re-evaluation of past decisions made under the influence of romantic relationships, it was determined that most of the participants tended to continue with the career decisions they had previously made.