Young adult occupational achievement - Early expectations versus behavioral reality

We examine the stability of occupational expectations during the first 7 ye ars after high school and their correspondence with occupations held at age 30, using data from the Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 197 2. Our results show substantial instability in occupational expectations du ring the late teen years and the early 20s. No matter when expectations are measured, even as late as age 25,fewer than half of the young men and wome n actually achieve their occupational expectations. When they do not achiev e their expectations, the work role occupied at age 30 differs substantiall y by gender Men tend to move to higher occupations or become managers; wome n tend to move down or leave the labor force. Socioeconomic status of famil y of orientation, high school achievement, and events in the family of proc reation ail have important effects on the process.