Career Selection and Future Plans

Do participants attain skilled employment and/or professional careers?

The qualitative study delineates changes in the quality of employment pre- and post-program participation. Prior to ABLE enrollment, 22 participants (31 percent) were unemployed homemakers or students. Currently, 15 participants (21 percent) are not in the workforce; these include three college students; four individuals on employment disability, two homemakers and six retirees with an average age of 69.

Employment data show the average length of employment being consistently over ten years on the present job with several individuals reported holding more than one job at a time. With seven percent of participants handicapped and 21 percent over 60, relatively few people considered themselves “retired.” Of the 55 participants (79 percent of sample members) currently employed, five (nine percent) own or manage businesses; 37 (67 percent) hold professional or service positions in “helping” areas and 13 (24 percent) are working in blue collar or entry level jobs.

The “helping” professions and service areas were practitioners’ overwhelming choice for new careers. These jobs were valued for the self-image they imparted and the satisfaction of helping others as much as for the financial resources they provided.

• Sixty-one percent of female participants selected helping careers as contrasted with twenty-four percent of male participants

• Fifty percent of male participants remained in their jobs or changed to similar positions; 60 percent of male participants received promotions or pay increases.

• Nearly all participants regardless of level (ABE, ESL, GED or higher education) were able to find jobs after exiting educational/training programs. Participants indicated that education and training were key elements in securing employment.

• Participants mentioned positive attitudes and the ability to face and overcome setbacks as essential job skills. ABLE practitioners and programs were given credit for helping to instill these attitudes.

• In general, participants showed an “information age” spiral of alternating schooling with employment and then returning to education for career changes and further advancement.

Regardless of position or level of job satisfaction, participants under 50 years of age continue setting goals for future advancement; older participants set goals for future learning. This emphasis on goal-setting is borne out by the participant groups’ high scores on the “goals and values” area in the standardized Quality of Life Inventory.

Generational Impact

Do participants’ children complete high school and enroll in higher education?

Although married participants were clearly in the majority when study data were taken, there is a clear history of multiple marriages, unmarried and single parents, and an average of four+ children for participants with offspring. The 70 participants had a total of 245 children with 14 of 21 men parents to 41 children and 47 of 49 females parents to 204 children.