The purpose of this phenomenological study was to illuminate the life experiences of displaced workers enrolled in community colleges for retraining and their views on obtaining employment after completion of a degree. The study is important because it provides qualitative data that will inform community college academic leadership, faculty, student affairs professionals, staff, and others. These data can be used to create a culture of evidence and inform diverse audiences about the experiences of displaced workers in the community college. Ultimately, data should be used to inform leaders, faculty, and staff about how to address the issues displaced workers face in the classrooms and how best to make accommodations for them. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]