As both the result and the catalyst for globalization, third culture kids (TCKS) are a rapidly growing population. Their in-depth and prolonged exposure to a second, third, or more cultures outside that of their passport country during their formative years has a great impact on their lives. Through these cross-cultural experiences, they are molded and shaped to have certain characteristics as a result of their cultural blend. The TCK experience is one that provides them with rich material for learning on the one hand, and one which may bring confusion on the other. Paradoxes are common themes in many aspects of the TCK experience. This qualitative research is intended to explore the experiences of TCKs and how these experiences and what they have learned through these experiences shape their career choices and affect their subsequent adaptation to the workplace.

When making career-related choices, TCKs do have particular considerations that appear to relate back to their unique experiences. These considerations include the desire for autonomy and control in their jobs, who works around them (colleagues and supervisors), variety in the job content, and opportunity for growth and development.

In the study, many participants speak about their level of adaptability and confidence, and their sense of responsibility and trustworthiness. They have a broadened perspective, and often act as a bridge or mediator between people. Their experiences often give them more access to resources and as a result, they may be prone to develop multiple interests. In this research, many participants are good at handling a large number of relationships, but sometimes find it hard to have depth in individual relationships. Finally, the results show that different participants feel differently concerning their hybrid identity.

Letting go, reaching out to others, observing others, and letting others fully express themselves before making a judgment are some strategies that TCKs employ to help them adapt in the workplace.

Keywords: TCK (Third Culture Kids), career choice, workplace adaptation, Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model

As both the result and the catalyst for globalization, third culture kids (TCKS) are a rapidly growing population. Their in-depth and prolonged exposure to a second, third, or more cultures outside that of their passport country during their formative years has a great impact on their lives. Through these cross-cultural experiences, they are molded and shaped to have certain characteristics as a result of their cultural blend. The TCK experience is one that provides them with rich material for learning on the one hand, and one which may bring confusion on the other. Paradoxes are common themes in many aspects of the TCK experience. This qualitative research is intended to explore the experiences of TCKs and how these experiences and what they have learned through these experiences shape their career choices and affect their subsequent adaptation to the workplace.

When making career-related choices, TCKs do have particular considerations that appear to relate back to their unique experiences. These considerations include the desire for autonomy and control in their jobs, who works around them (colleagues and supervisors), variety in the job content, and opportunity for growth and development.

In the study, many participants speak about their level of adaptability and confidence, and their sense of responsibility and trustworthiness. They have a broadened perspective, and often act as a bridge or mediator between people. Their experiences often give them more access to resources and as a result, they may be prone to develop multiple interests. In this research, many participants are good at handling a large number of relationships, but sometimes find it hard to have depth in individual relationships. Finally, the results show that different participants feel differently concerning their hybrid identity.

Letting go, reaching out to others, observing others, and letting others fully express themselves before making a judgment are some strategies that TCKs employ to help them adapt in the workplace.

Keywords: TCK (Third Culture Kids), career choice, workplace adaptation, Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model

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