In this qualitative study, the career journey of one New Zealand woman was analysed. Three key findings emerged: the power of narrative as a vehicle for this woman's story, her movement towards greater authenticity and spiritual fulfilment as a mature woman, and the ongoing struggle for concurrent fulfilment from communal and agentic perspectives. The study demonstrates ways in which life themes impose meaning on vocational behaviour and how work can be seen to be a means of fostering self-completion.