Self-esteem and subjective responses to work among mature workers: similarities and differences by gender

This study addressed three questions that underlie the experiences of middle-aged working individuals: (1) What factors influence workers' quality of time spent at work, their feelings of competence as a worker, and their satisfaction with work? (2) What is the impact of subjective responses to work on self-esteem? and (3) What effect does gender have on subjective responses and self-esteem? These data are derived from an ongoing study of full-time working men and women (N = 770). Subjective responses to work are affected by poor health. Quality of time at work (meaningful, not boring), job satisfaction, and an identity as a competent worker are associated with self-esteem. Self-esteem was higher among women in highly autonomous jobs, and nonmarried women had higher self-esteem than others. The strongest effect on self-esteem was that of feeling competent as a worker. Positive perceptions of work increased self-esteem, facilitating the transition into retirement.