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Charlie (18) decides to join the military. His father is a vet and he was raised to know joining the Air Force is the only option, he doesn't know anything else. Therefore he enlists at the age of 18.
In Erikson's fifth stage of psychosocial development, identity versus identity confusion, Charlie is trying to figure out his place within his culture. He is not sure where he belongs, but he is doing what he knows. -
Charlie (27) decides to marry Theresa. Charlie met a woman previously and has 2 children, but makes the conscious decision while stationed in Alaska to marry Theresa. He wants to blend his identities with her and start a new life.
In Erikson's sixth stage of psychosocial development, intimacy versus isolation, Charlie had a major life decision to make. Instead of isolating himself from love and intimate connections, he chose to start a new life with a new woman for happiness. -
Charlie (63) got laid off from his job. He worked at a boat mechanic shop on an army base, however when he got laid off he decided it is time to retire officially. He chose to not go back to work at all. Theresa remained to work for 5 more years.
In Erikson's eighth stage, ego integrity vs. despair, Charlie realizes it's time to reflect on all he has accomplished and accept his days of working are done. He decides on how to spend his remaining years with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
