This article presents a qualitative descriptive study of the impact of being prohibited from working by the asylum seeking processes within the United Kingdom and the subsequent effects of gaining refugee status. In-depth unstructured and semi-structured interviews were used to explore one individual's experience, with grounded theory methods employed to guide the data analysis and identify themes. The resultant themes were; the lack of control resulting in change of identity and roles, changes in motivation and the impact of stigma. The findings provide insider insights into the impact of legislatively imposed occupational injustice, the need to establish safety needs and the desire to have a sense of belonging. It challenges readers to examine their own beliefs on asylum seeking and explore ways in which communities can integrate refugees, providing opportunities to regain a meaningful role within society and re-establishing their lost sense of identity. © 2010 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

qualitative research Asylum seekers Motivational change Occupational change Worker identity

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