ABSTRACT
F ew things are more personal than a career choice. Perhaps the substantial surge in downsizing has helped most people realize that when career situ-ations go awry, the ripple effects are quite personal and, often, devastating. Herr (1989) notes that high levels of career uncertainty and occupational dissatisfaction are positively correlated with high levels of psychological and physical distress. High levels of unemployment have been associated with increased rates of chemical dependency, interpersonal violence, suicide, criminal activity, and admissions to psychiatric facilities (Herr, Cramer, & Niles, 2004). Clearly, individuals with an authentic sense of positive self-esteem rarely commit such acts. Thus, difficult career situations often translate to difficult life situations, and such situations will negatively impact a person’s self-esteem.
