Gifted Adults at Work: Career Biographies, Positions, and Job Satisfaction

• In Event: 18.050 - Life Beyond K–12 Gifted Education

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in giftedness with a special focus on career biographies, positions and job satisfaction of gifted employees. Research results are scarce and heterogeneous. Some studies indicate difficulties in making carees choices, an incongruence between gifted employees and their work environment, potential social problems with colleagues and/or low job satisfaction. The study at hand identifies vocational pathways of gifted employees, job positions, work domains and their job satisfaction. The sample included n=277 members of an association for gifted. Results show that the sample is highly educated, and the participants often work in leading positions or are self-employed. There is no difference between gifted and non-gifted employees concerning job demands and job satisfaction.

Authors

• Eveline Wuttke, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University

• Maren Schlegler, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences