Filipino Seafarers Career Transition: Basis for Career Change Framework

This study explored the career transition experiences of Filipino seafarers who shifted from seafaring employment to land-based professions. Specifically, examine the demographic profile of the participants, determine the most common reasons for the career transition, identify the reasons that motivated their career transition, and discover the challenges encountered during the transition process. Exploring the transition experience through the lens of Schlossberg's Transition Theory and, more specifically, providing insights into how the participants' transition experiences were shaped by the 4'S system: Self, Situation, Support, and Strategies, and developing a career transition framework grounded in the integrated findings. To answer the research problem stated, the study utilized a Sequential Transformative Mixed Method Design, participated in by 26 former Filipino seafarers who had successfully transitioned to land-based careers. A survey questionnaire was used to gather the needed data for the study, which contains a series of questions that were vital in testing the validity and reliability of the results. An interview was also conducted to gather more detailed views and experiences of the participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, whereas thematic analysis was employed to identify emerging qualitative themes. The findings revealed that the primary reasons for the career transition of the participants were the desire to achieve work-life balance, secure and stable employment, career fulfillment, and stronger family relationships. While, the greatest challenge seafarers faced during career transition was adjusting to a new role and uncertainty during the transition process. The qualitative findings further demonstrated that successful career transition was shaped by the interaction of the four dimensions of Schlossberg's Transition Theory (Self, Situation, Support Strategies). The Self dimension reflected personal readiness, commitment, and openness to change; Situation highlighted role adjustment, career opportunities, and uncertainty; Support emphasized the importance of family, faith, and institutional assistance; moreover Strategies included career planning, continuous learning, financial preparedness, and adaptive coping mechanisms. The findings of the study led to the development of the Filipino Seafarers' 4S Career Transition Framework, an evidence-based model that contextualizes Schlossberg's theory within the lived experiences of Filipino seafarers transitioning to land-based careers. The framework provides practical guidance for government agencies, maritime organizations, educational institutions, and shipping companies in designing comprehensive career transition and reintegration programs that promote career adaptability, successful workforce reintegration, career stability, and long-term professional development

Career Transition, Support System, Self, Situation, Strategies

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