Late-career language teachers in Austria and the UK: Pathways to retirement

Babic S.;Mairitsch A.;Mercer S.;Sulis G.;Jin J.;King J.;Lanvers U.;Shin S.

2022-01-01

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Abstract

This article seeks to explore personal and socio-contextual factors that supported or hindered the wellbeing of 13 late-career language teachers from Austria and the UK. Data were generated through in-depth life-history interviews, and analysed following a Grounded Theory approach (Charmaz, 2006). Findings revealed the interplay of various personal and socio-contextual factors that influenced teachers’ wellbeing and willingness to stay in the profession. Findings also showed four different pathways to retirement: Perceived stress and wanting to leave the profession; loved being a teacher but mentally preparing for retirement; busy with work, not thinking about retirement; and, thriving and not planning retirement.