A Qualitative Study of the Work Experiences of Isolated and Reclusive Youth

This study aimed to explore the work experiences of isolated and reclusive youth and to understand their meaning. To this end, in-depth interviews were conducted with six youth who received counseling from the K-area Isolated and Reclusive Youth Support Project. Each youth had been in seclusion for at least six months and had at least one month of work experience. The research results yielded a total of 55 semantic units, 21 subcategories, and 7 superordinate categories. The seven superordinate categories were: “Feeling overwhelmed by the daunting task of an interview,” “A newfound satisfaction in being a member of society,” “Wandering through a whirlpool of internal turmoil,” “Suffering from anxiety and stress in relationships,” “Exhausted by the burden of a harsh work environment,” “A vicious cycle of re-seclusion and career interruption,” and “Despite this, finding hope again.” This study demonstrated that for isolated and reclusive youth, work experience serves as a process of social recognition and serves as an opportunity to restore agency amidst anxiety and self-pressure. Conversely, performance-oriented work environments exacerbate relational and internal difficulties, increasing the risk of burnout and re-seclusion. Therefore, this study suggests the need for recovery-focused interviews, provision of stable work experiences, and multi-layered, long-term social support systems and career guidance to prevent long-term isolation and seclusion.