Protean career attitudes during unemployment and reemployment: A longitudinal perspective

•Longitudinal test of protean career attitude (PCA) during unemployment (N = 186)•Panel analysis of changes from unemployment and reemployment•PCA was significantly associated with increased self-esteem and job search activity.•PCA significantly predicted reemployment.•PCA decreased upon reemployment demonstrating a dynamic nature.

This 3-wave, 12-month longitudinal study investigated how protean career orientation (PCO) influences unemployed people's self-esteem, job search activity, employment perceived job improvement and perceived career growth over time. Panel data analysis with a sample of 186 people revealed that PCO was significantly associated with increased self-esteem, job search activity and reemployment. The effect of self-esteem on job search activity was mediated by PCO. PCO was significantly associated with job improvement and career growth once reemployed and the relationship between PCO and career growth was mediated by job improvement. PCO declined once participants become reemployed. Implications for how career counselors can develop career transitions programs that facilitate a PCO are presented.