Reentry Women After Graduation

Abstract

Reentry women (M age, 42.2 years) were compared with younger women (M age, 25.8 years) on a survey conducted 2 to 6 years after their graduation from college. A total of 451 graduates responded to questions about education and employment activities, job satisfaction, and leisure pursuits. Discriminant function analyses revealed clear-cut differences between the two age groups and also among the six age/marital groups (single, married, and formerly married). The great majority of these reentry women were found to be employed outside the home and to be earning significantly higher salaries than their younger counterparts. Of the six age/marital groups, both single and married reentry women rated themselves highest in job satisfaction; this greater satisfaction appeared to be based on feelings of accomplishment and autonomy.