Abstract
This study sought to explore strategies that atypical workers in Zimbabwe
use to counter career traps. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with
thirteen research participants who were selected purposively. The thematic
data analysis method was used to analyse the collected data. The study showed
that career trap is a common challenge that a majority of atypical workers in
Zimbabwe face. In a bid to a counter career trap, atypical workers in
Zimbabwe indicated that they utilize a number of strategies in this respect. The
research participants identified job search, lateral moves, networking,
upskilling and reskilling as some of the strategies that they utilize to counter
career traps. The study recommends that organisations in Zimbabwe should
support and ensure the vertical career mobility of atypical workers, as this will
go a long way towards reducing labour turnover related to career traps. In
addition, this study recommends that atypical workers in Zimbabwe should
take control of their professional and personal growth by utilizing best
strategies to counter career traps.