Abstract

With the declining birth rate in Taiwan, the proportion of middle-aged and older women returning to the workplace has increased, and they have become an important human resource in the job market. The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of middle-aged and older women from career disruption to re-employment. In this study, eighteen middle-aged and older women were interviewed in order to understand their re-employment process. The study found that the reasons for the career interruptions and re-employment of middle-aged and older women were all family related. Difficulties in restarting a career included age discrimination, lack of ability, and opposition from family members. By using selection, optimization, and compensation theory, people could successfully return to work in the face of these difficulties. The strategies used were as follows: knowing one’s own expertise and interests, having relevant certificates and professional experience, adjusting one’s attitude to start again, continuous learning and empowerment, and obtaining workplace support. The results of this study can serve as a reference for employment service centers in assisting middle-aged and older female job seekers and as a basis for the government and relevant units to formulate policies to promote the re-employment of middle-aged and older women.