Balancing self, work and life
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School of Business |
Master's thesis
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Authors
Date
2024
Department
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
mib
Language
en
Pages
84 + 8
Series
Abstract
Research in the field of meaningful work acknowledges the changing nature of contemporary careers emphasizing flexibility and sustainability over traditional upward progression. Central in this evolution is the concept of career identity, shaped particularly during early adulthood and university studies. Previous research on meaningfulness has identified a need for examining how meaningfulness influences career behavior from both long-term perspectives and those of emerging professionals. My narrative study addresses this gap by examining the narratives of business students nearing graduation and exploring how meaningful work is constructed within these narratives. The theoretical foundation of my research is built upon the concept of narrative career identity and the dimensions of meaningful work. The model I have developed for this study integrates the pursuit of meaningful work and identity across different life stages, emphasizing the emergence of meaningful careers in the balance of self, work and life. Twelve semi-structured interviews with Aalto University business students serve as my empirical data. My findings highlight a significant contrast: students enter university with confidence, yet face a future filled with uncertainty. There is also a conflict between meaningful work and everyday life that is aimed to be optimized. Business students assess the compensation they receive from work against the sacrifices it demands and the meaningfulness derived from their careers against the meaningfulness of their leisure time, striving for balance. My observations also challenge the traditional achievement and career-focused model of a business student. According to my research, a transition towards a work life filled with softer values and a strong pursuit of meaningful careers appears to be emerging. Previous research has demonstrated a connection between employee commitment, retention and well-being. Employees prioritize meaningfulness when choosing employers and are willing to accept pay cuts to gain more meaning in their work. Young professionals play a crucial role in shaping future workplaces, underscoring the need to understand their perspectives. My study deepens understanding of how developing professionals experience meaningfulness in their work and how this influences their career choices. Further research in this area could enrich academic discourse, support institutional practices and decision-making and enhance human resource strategies in organizations.Description
Thesis advisor
Katila, SaijaKeywords
career construction, career identity, sustainable career, meaningful work, narrative analysis, narrative identity