RESEARCH_FILE
Erik H. Erikson
University of California, Berkeley (at time of Childhood and Society)
Known for:The eight-stage theory of psychosocial development, including generativity versus stagnation as the task of midlife
SEE THE PRACTICE
Turn a thought this research explains into one clear move.
THE THOUGHT
“It's too late to change careers”
YOUR RECORDED RESPONSE
“The sunk cost is already spent; the question is what the next years are for.”
ONE PRIVATE MOVE
Open a notes app or scrap paper and list three careers or roles you have quietly ruled out. Under each one, write one skill, contact, or past task that would still matter there. Stop at five minutes.
Key findings
- 1950
Midlife's central psychosocial task is generativity versus stagnation: finding ways to contribute to the next generation and to meaningful work and community, versus turning inward and becoming self-absorbed. Childhood and Society ↗