When old and new selves collide: Identity conflict and entrepreneurial nostalgia among ex-entrepreneurs

Abstract

People undergoing career transitions often bring aspects of old roles into their new work contexts, and this interface can create conflict between lingering aspects of one's work self and the newer aspects of one's work self. Yet, we know little about how this conflict between old and new selves shapes employee outcomes. We examine this issue among ex-entrepreneurs—individuals who have transitioned from a business owner to a wage employee. Drawing from role identity theory, we develop a model of the consequences of conflict between a lingering entrepreneur identity and a current work role identity. We propose that ex-entrepreneurs who experience higher levels of identity conflict will be more likely to experience burnout and less likely to engage in boosterism of their employer, and that these relationships are explained by lower levels of perceived professional identity growth (i.e., progressive identity). We further suggest that the negative effect of conflict on progressive identity is exacerbated by nostalgia for one's entrepreneurial past. In a three-stage field survey of ex-entrepreneurs and their romantic partners, we found support for these hypotheses using both partner-rated outcomes and self-rated outcomes. We discuss implications for the literature on entrepreneurship careers and work identity in organizations.