What is the focus of the maintenance stage in Super's life-span theory?

The maintenance stage in Super's life-span theory focuses on the period from ages 44 to 64, which is characterized by the efforts individuals make to maintain their established career paths and achievements. During this stage, individuals seek to ensure stability in their careers, consolidate their gains, and possibly refine their skills and contributions in their professional roles.

This stage can involve striving for advancement, continuing education, or mentoring others in the workplace, reflecting a commitment to one’s career while preparing for eventual transition into the next phase of life, which is the decline stage. Individuals become more focused on preserving and enhancing their work rather than exploring new career options, which is more characteristic of earlier stages in Super's model. This distinction helps clarify the specific developmental tasks and challenges that individuals face during the maintenance stage of their careers.