"Every day is not always jell-o": a qualitative study of factors affecting job tenure

This qualitative study examined the reasons people with psychiatric disabilities stay on jobs and leave jobs to uncover the salient factors affecting job tenure. Fifty-one persons with psychiatric disabilities, 26 leavers and 25 stayers, participating in nine supported employment programs were interviewed. A constant comparative method was used to analyze the interview responses. Findings from the exit interviews suggest that specific factors may contribute to staying or leaving jobs, such as interest with the work, support of the supervisor, level of competence, and support of coworkers. Discussion of the findings and implications for practice and future research are presented.