Occupational and Lifestyle Issues in Young and Middle Adulthood

Chapter 12

Meaning of Work

Prestige, recognitionExcitement, enjoyment, fulfillmentMoney

Need to find meaning ubiquitous Type of meaning varies w/ job, socialization

Meaning of Work

4 common meanings Developing self Expressing self Union w/ others Serving others

Meaning satisfied = personal fulfillment

Meaning of Work

Critical for many aspects of development Identity Lifestyle Interpersonal relationships

Holland: occupation choice based on traits W > M: social, artistic, conventional Within occupation W ~ M

Context & development critical

Occupational Development

Promotion, advancementSuper: self-concept changes -> OD (5 stages)

Implementation (late adolescent)Multiple temporary positions trying different jobs

Establishment (young adulthood)Specific occupation selected & being promoted

Maintenance (middle adulthood)Reduce time spent on occupation - more family

Occupational Development

Deceleration (late-middle adulthood)Planning for retirement, separate from work

Retirement (late adulthood)Stop working

Occupational Expectations

We learn what to expect from an occupation Key task of young adulthood is to form an

occupational dream

Expectations revised during adulthood Due to failure, discrimination, reality, new

interests Causes revision or rejection of the dream

Role of Mentors

Teacher, sponsor, model, counselor Helps new worker avoid trouble Improves chance for advancement Promotes well being

Role of Mentors

Develop through 4 stages Initiation: begin relationship Cultivation: work together Separation: less time spent together Redefinition: relationship ends/transformed

Benefits to mentors Fulfill generativity need (help next generation)

Job Satisfaction

Positive feeling from an appraisal of one’s work & increases w/ age Self-selection/fit Elements -> satisfaction change over time

Middle aged: intrinsic satisfaction & less job focusYoung adults: extrinsic (pay) satisfaction

Job Burnout

Syndrome characterized by Emotional exhaustion Depersonalization Diminished personal accomplishment

Most common in helping professions Teachers, nurses, therapists Increases w/ age & years on job

Job Burnout

Defense involves Stress-reducing tactics Lowering self-expectations Enhance organizational communication

Gender Issues

Men socialized to have occupations Key aspect of masculinity Judge a man by his work Key skills taught via team sports

Women socialized to be: Accomodating, deferential, quiet, supportive Judged by appearance

Changing in recent decades as 2/3 work

Occupational Development

Many professional women leave their jobs Children key deciding factor

Child care, work environment supportive

Work settingValue masculine traitsDisconnected from workplace

Makes continuous development difficult

Bias & Discrimination

Few women in high status jobs (5%)Why?Sex discrimination: deny job due to sex

Still pervasive ‘Boys Club’ & glass ceiling Pay discrimination (women paid 3/4 of men)

Companies need to being valuing more feminine competencies

Sexual Harassment

Power difference = potential Sexual coercion: tit for tat (e.g., sex for job) Unwanted sexual attention Gender harassment

Creating hostile or offensive work environment

Reasonable woman/person standard SH if reasonable person would view it as

offensive

Sexual Harassment

~40% women report some formLess than 5% report itNegatively impacts

Emotional state Mental health Job outcomes Job satisfaction (even among men) Productivity

Occupational Transitions

In US adult changes jobs 5-10 times Advantages include flexibility, maintain

challenge & rewarding work Factors predicting change

Occupational favor->training/promotions/better jobTechnology -> skills obsolete

Retraining Workers

Skill needs change over time Technology, promotion, etc. Need to occasionally update skills or else:

Career plateauing - lack of promotional potential

1/3 US workers are retrained/year Improve technical skills Advance/find new employment opportunities

Unemployment

Many negative impacts Physical health Self-esteem Alcohol/drug abuse Depression, anxiety, suicide

Depends on age and gender Worse for middle aged men Easier for men close to retirement

Unemployment

Managing occupational transitions Approach job loss with health urgency Consider/plan for next career move Admit/react to the change (no denial) be cautions of temporary jobs Identify realistic goals and make a plan

Work and Family

Key is finding a balance 2/3 of 2 adult households both work

Employed caregivers (mothers) > 50% married moms, ~50% of single moms w/

child < 1 work Even more work w/ children of any age Motivation to work related to money, aspiration

Identity/role conflict issues (career OR mother)

Dependent Care

Can have negative impacts (elderly parent)

Higher stress, more work conflicts Poorer quality of life, poor coping

Worse for womenReduces with good partner, employer support

Multiple Roles

Both adults work who does what? Work v. home responsibilities

Dividing household chores Women do vast majority (50% more) Source of conflict

Since 1970 women decreased, men increased but• Men: weekend work w/ specific tasks (not female role)

Change: Communicate, educate children

Leisure

Discretionary activity (for fun, enjoyment) Cultural: watch sports event, concerts Physical: play sports, gardening Social: visit friends, parties Solitary: reading, listening to music

Value depends on individualChosen based on perceived competence &

psychological comfort

Leisure

Developmental Changes Young adults: greater range, more strenuous,

intense activities Middle adults: home-family activities Later adults: sedentary activities

Leisure

Consequences Feelings of freedom Increases well-being Improves mental health in women Buffers against stress Social: may enhance relationship satisfaction