Longitudinal Relationships Between Part‐Time Work and Career Development in Adolescents

Abstract

In discussions about the effects of part‐time work on adolescents, career development processes have received little attention. This study examined relationships between part‐time work and two components of career development (work values and career indecision) in 483 high school students. Comparisons of longitudinal and cross‐sectional data revealed that peripheral work aspects were less valued as a consequence of being involved in part‐time work; thus, the relative value placed on central work aspects increased. However, part‐time work did not affect career indecision. The decision of whether to work seemed unrelated to the preexisting career development status, except for the value placed on physical activity in boys.