Variables associated with career drifting patterns of rural and urban youth and young adults in Newfoundland and Labrador

Flood, Ross A. (1994) Variables associated with career drifting patterns of rural and urban youth and young adults in Newfoundland and Labrador. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This study focused on the variables associated with the career drifting pattern of a sample of youth and young adults in the province of Newfoundland. Career drifting, based on the research surrounding career indecision and career indecisiveness, was defined as a combination of three career changes since completing high school. The sample consisted of 85 persons between the ages of 21 to 30 years, who previously had held jobs and had attended post-secondary institutions. Using the survey method, the study examined as variables the personality traits of anxiety, locus of control, self-esteem, parental and community factors, employment background and the meaning of work, post-secondary efforts, quester characteristics, person/environment fit, personal aspirations and self-ratings of ability. Analyses suggested that the personality traits of high anxiety and low self-esteem have a relationship with career drifting, however in contrast with previous research, external locus of control was not a variable evident in this group. Results indicated a moderate relationship between parental and community factors and career drifting. Findings suggested that the post-secondary environment and an individual's effort were a greater influence on non-completion of post-secondary programs than that individual's self-rated ability and marks in previous programs. Results revealed that while rating themselves highly as risk-takers, this sample displayed a reluctance to enter into academic and employment situations which they perceived as having a high level of difficulty. Difference between gender and community size were presented for these variables. Finally recommendations for future research are suggested.

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