Intragenerational mobility refers to the movement of an individual up or down a social stratification hierarchy within the course of their own personal career or adult life. This type of social mobility focuses on the changes in a person's social standing, such as their occupation, income, or social class, that occur during their working years, as opposed to intergenerational mobility, which examines changes across generations. For example, an individual who starts their career in a lower-paying job and through promotions and career advancement rises to a higher-level position with increased income and prestige has experienced upward intragenerational mobility. Conversely, someone who experiences job loss or a decline in their career leading to a lower social status has experienced downward intragenerational mobility. The study of intragenerational mobility helps sociologists understand the factors that influence an individual's social trajectory over their lifetime, such as education, skills, career choices, and economic conditions.