Identity Achievement

Identity achievement is the life stage where an individual has finally achieved a "true sense of self." Reaching this stage requires self-exploration and an exploration of the options that are available in life, whether that means traveling, working a number of jobs, or higher education. This stage is not reached until adulthood when a person has a store of experiences behind them. This is sometimes seen when an adult may make major changes in their lives or careers.

Examples of this are businessmen who decide in midlife to pursue religious vocations or someone who leaves lucrative employment to pursue art or a much lower-paying (but more personally satisfying) employment.