Professionals beyond midlife: Some observations on work satisfaction in the fifty- to sixty-year decade

This article draws on in-depth interview data from 72 professionals between the ages of 50 and 60. The central focus is on the 39 men in the sample. Contrary to the literature citing uniformly high levels of work satisfaction among professionals, respondents describe feelings of boredom and discomfort arising out of careers that have slowed down in terms of novelty and personal growth. Data are presented contrasting work in the fifties with earlier points in respondents' careers. Attention is given to the several responses made to declining work options in the fifties. In addition, reasons for variations in work satisfaction between men and women and between those in different professions are explored.