ScholarWorks@경상국립대학교

초록

This study aimed to explore how the experiences and meanings of work-life balance evolve across the life stages of middle-aged, married female workers. The study participants were 10 middle-aged, married female workers, aged 45 to 60, who had work experiences during both the parenting and middle-aged stages. The findings revealed that half of the participants experienced career interruptions due to pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare, influenced by social contexts such as family expectations of maternal roles, the passive involvement of husbands in childcare, and the absence of social care systems. Overall, satisfaction with work-life balance during this period was low, and it was a time when 'balance' itself was challenging to achieve. As these participants entered middle age, they reduced their family and parenting roles due to their children's independence, leading them to re-enter the workforce or focus more on their careers and showcase their abilities in the workplace. The key experiences of work-life balance during middle age included 'time for oneself, self-discovery, maintaining health and fitness, immersion and enjoyment in work, and changes in roles and relationships within the family.' The significance of this study lies in attempting to explore the experiences of middle-aged, married female workers, a group often overlooked as critical subjects of work-life balance discourse, and in considering the life context of middle age.

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