ABSTRACT
Indeed, Albert Camus' astute observation resonates with most people who seriously reflect on the problem of what it takes to fashion a work life that is joyful, or at least satisfying, over a sustained period of time. While there is a huge so-called scientific literature on the psychology and sociology of work, as well as important contributions from vocational guidance, career education and career counseling, this chapter has a unique angle that is animated by a psychoanalytic sensibility. The strength of an "in-depth" psychoanalytic sensibility compared to the more "surface" approaches, such as those rooted in vocational guidance, career education and career counseling, for understanding important aspects of the work experience is suggested when people juxtapose the pragmatic words of Benjamin Franklin with Freud on the issue of decision-making. Career choice, trajectory and attainment are to a large extent expressions of "personal development", of one's autonomy, personality integration and humanity.
