In pursuit of happiness : the influence of perspective on high-school students’ career choices, and how these choices affect job satisfaction
Graduation Date
2015
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Other
Program
Thesis (M.A.)--Humboldt State University, Education, 2015
Committee Chair Name
David Ellerd
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Blue-collar, Employment, Job satisfaction, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Education, White-collar, Vocational programs, Student loan debt, Stigma, Class studies, Trades, Happiness, College, Community college, Work
Abstract
This research examines the societal and parental perceptions of various career paths, and how these perceptions influence the educational decisions high-school students make upon graduating. Furthermore, it seeks to examine the consequences of these decisions by way of job satisfaction and resultant levels of parental satisfaction. Through an anonymous, online survey conducted on a Google Forms platform by way of the social media site Facebook, 50 participants with various backgrounds reported demographic, educational, and employment information. These responses were analyzed using a mixed methods approach that used statistical tests such as T-tests, Pearson Correlations and ANOVAS, as well as a qualitative examination of textual responses to look for patterns within the survey population. Several key findings include a lack of discrepancy in reported levels of job satisfaction between those who attended a four-year university and those who did not, a high level of parental influence over those who decided to attend college, and lower levels of parental satisfaction among those who did not attend a four-year university as compared to those who did attend. The results implicate a need for a more diversified high school curriculum that supports the development of non-college-based careers, as well as a reduction in the societal stigma associated with blue-collar work.
Recommended Citation
Forrington, Michelle Dawn, "In pursuit of happiness : the influence of perspective on high-school students’ career choices, and how these choices affect job satisfaction" (2015). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 1242.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/1242
https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/n583xx53h