THE IMPACT OF CAREER CHOICE (PASSION VS. OBLIGATION) ON LIFE SATISFACTION AND HAPPINESS AMONG WORKING ADULTS.

Abstract

Career choice is one of the most important decisions made in a person's life, and it not only affects one's professional life but also has a significant impact on his/her psychological well-being. People select their career paths according to their personal interests and internal passions while others choose their careers because of external requirements from family members and financial obligations and societal expectations. The fundamental elements which people use to make their career choice decisions will determine their ability to achieve career success throughout their adult life which results in developing their personal satisfaction and happiness.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of passion-driven versus obligation-driven career choices on life satisfaction and subjective happiness among working adults. This study will use Self-Determination Theory combined with vocational psychology and positive psychology theories to investigate how intrinsic motivation in career choice affects psychological well-being compared to extrinsic career choice motivation.

The psychological implications of career motivation are especially important in today's society which is characterized by economic competition and social comparison. The study examines how career orientation affects life satisfaction results which contributes to the body of knowledge in counselling psychology organizational psychology and mental health research. The study results will help with career guidance and work satisfaction and psychological interventions which aim to enhance psychological well-being in adults.