To further understanding of the process through which occupational careers are formed, this study analyzed life histories to determine job-shifts undertaken by a cohort of men 30-39 years of age. It was proposed that individuals will decide to leave a job when they perceive that a gain in achievement is possible. The analysis of the outcome of job…

This paper suggests a model for occupational careers based on the outcome of job shifts. This outcome may be described by a difference equation, where the gain is a function of the prestige and income of the job left and a person's level of resources. The career model is obtained as a solution to this difference equation. The resulting age profile…