Success and Satisfaction
The two most important indicators of adjustment to a career are work success and work satisfaction. Can you match the correct definition to each phrase?
Work success is gauged by how well a position matches the abilities, interests, needs, values as evaluated by the employee. Work satisfaction is tied to how closely a person’s abilities are aligned with those required by the position and the person’s ability to perform in a manner deemed acceptable by the employer.
Work success is more dependent on the employer’s perception, whereas, work satisfaction is dependent on the employee’s perception. Career theory1 suggests that when both work success and satisfaction are present, employee retention increases.
Perhaps of even greater significance, recent research2 indicates a link between work satisfaction and overall life satisfaction, reinforcing the importance of taking time for regular, thoughtful consideration of your career goals.
1. Dawis, R. V., & Lofquist, L. H. (1984). A psychological theory of work adjustment. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
2. Diener, E., Suh, E. M., Lucas, R. E., & Smith, H. L. (1999). Subjective well-being: Three decades of progress. Psychological Bulletin, 125, 276-302.