The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the effects of job search characteristics and re-employment transition paths on job satisfaction among middle-aged older adults, in the context of rapid aging and their expanding economic participati...
The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the effects of job search characteristics and re-employment transition paths on job satisfaction among middle-aged older adults, in the context of rapid aging and their expanding economic participation. Specifically, re-employed workers were classified into a re-employment experience group (t1) and a re-employment maintenance group (t2) to analyze differences in organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and facet-specific job satisfaction in depth.
To this end, data from the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study(KLIPS) were utilized to extract middle-aged re-employed workers. Multiple regression analysis was conducted with job search characteristics (duration, method, change in occupation, employment type) and re- employment transition paths as independent variables, and organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and facet-specific job satisfaction as dependent variables.
The major findings are as follows: First, for the t1 sample(re-employment experience group), it was confirmed that as the job search duration increased(especially for the group exceeding six moths), organizational commitment and job satisfaction increased, whereas satisfaction with wages among detailed working conditions decreased. This is interpreted as a result of long-term job seekers placing high value on the success of employment itself.
Second, the analysis of re-employment transition paths for the t2 sample showed that overall job satisfaction was significantly lower in most paths, except for the prepared transition group(1-5 path) that moved without a gap. In particular, the group that moved to another job after re-employment(5-5 path) showed satisfaction with working conditions(wages, environment) but low organizational commitment.
Third, the analysis of control variables revealed a tendency for job satisfaction to decrease among those with higher education due to the mismatch between actual working conditions and their expectation levels.
This study confirmed that the satisfaction of middle-aged re-employment is comprehensively determined by the readiness of the job search process and psychological mechanisms. Based on this, the study proposed policy implications for the expansion of universal outplacement services regardless of business size, the qualitative advancement of middle-aged jobs, and the enhancement of job fit.