A Study on Employment Status Change Types, Determinants, and Their Relationship with Life Satisfaction Among Middle-aged Adults Using Latent Class Growth Analysis (LCGA)

Objectives This study aimed to classify employment status changes among middle-aged adults in South Korea and analyze the antecedents influencing the determination of latent groups and the impact of group-specific employment patterns on changes in life satisfaction. Methods Using data from the 16th wave of the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study (KLIPS), this study conducted latent class growth analysis (LCGA) to identify longitudinal patterns of employment status changes over nine years among 2,338 middle-aged individuals aged 40 to 55. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to derive influencing factors. Lastly, changes in life satisfaction were examined for each group. Results First, five employment trajectory types were identified: “Sustained Employment,” “Abrupt Exit,” “Gradual Exit,” “Unstable Employment,” and “Early Exit.” Second, middle-aged women exhibited higher vulnerability to unstable employment. Third, job stability significantly influenced the maintenance of long-term employment among middle-aged individuals. Fourth, sustained employment was significantly associated with changes in life satisfaction, promoting positive outcomes. Conclusions The findings highlight the need for approaches that support sustained employment among middle-aged individuals and underscore the importance of expanding attention and support for the employment of middle-aged women.