This research synthesis aims to more fully understand the current teacher retention crisis in the United States through a re-conceptualization of what is meant by a teaching career. Currently, research is divided into two broad categories: traditional research on teacher retention and traditional research on teachers' professional lives. This synthesis identifies key studies in both fields and argues for greater coordination between the two in an effort to conceive of teachers' careers along a continuum and utilize a range of methodologies for understanding those careers. The author points to select studies which begin to bring these two fields together and suggests potential future research directions.