After Midlife, What Next? Rethinking Future Orientations, Belonging, and Success Among Executive Expatriates in Singapore

Authors

  • Leslie Hsu School of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, UK and Columbia Business School, Columbia University, New York, USA
  • Shilpi Tripathi Singapore City, Singapore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.1211.19555

Keywords:

Executive expatriates, midlife transition, future orientation, identity, belonging, success, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

This paper explores how executive expatriates navigate post-midlife transitions by re-evaluating their sense of success, belonging, and future direction. Drawing from qualitative interviews with midlife professionals living and working abroad, the study reveals a shift in priorities from achievement-driven identities to values rooted in emotional connection, legacy, and existential meaning. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), we uncover key themes such as disillusionment with career-defined success, the longing for deeper community integration, and emerging aspirations for retirement, contribution, and self-actualization. These insights reveal an urgent need for organizations and policymakers to support the aging expatriate population with holistic frameworks that address both career wind-down and psychosocial transitions.

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Published

2025-11-15

How to Cite

Hsu, L., & Tripathi, S. (2025). After Midlife, What Next? Rethinking Future Orientations, Belonging, and Success Among Executive Expatriates in Singapore. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 12(11), 103–115. https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.1211.19555

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 11 (2025): Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Leslie Hsu, Shilpi Tripathi

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