Career transition from paid-employment to entrepreneurship: a transition theory perspective

Purpose This study investigates motivations and processes that enable career transitions from paid employment to entrepreneurship by applying Schlossberg's transition theory to examine participants' experiences before, during and after the transition. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research design was applied using semi-structured interviews with Sri Lankan participants who successfully transited from salaried work to entrepreneurial careers. Thematic analysis was applied to participants' success stories to identify stage-specific drivers, supports and behaviors across the pre-transition, transition and post-transition phases. Findings Career transitions were underpinned by persistent self-efficacy, confidence and clarity about personal strengths. These core individual attributes interacted with contextual enablers such as family support and timely decision to enter the market in facilitating change. Successful entrants to entrepreneurship also maintained a positive appraisal of the transition, practised self-discipline and adopted deliberate strategies to manage stress and sustain mental well-being. The findings highlight the multifaceted set of elements, such as identity, personal agency and environmental resources across the transition phases. The results show that the success of the transition depends on both individual agency and the enabling socio-economic environment. Originality/value This study advances the understanding of individuals' decision to pursue an entrepreneurial career by developing a thematic model grounded in Schlossberg's transition logic, capturing the full sequence from pre-transition intention to post-transition entrepreneurial behavior. The model offers phase-specific insights into the transition from employment to entrepreneurship. It also extends transition theory to the small business and entrepreneurship domain by providing a contextually embedded contribution from the South Asian setting.