Coping with Concerns regarding Jobs and Careers:

Effects of “Decision by Flight” and Counseling

Abstract

Many people have concerns regarding their jobs and careers. Companies should ideally address this issue to retain their important human resources and improve productivity; however, employees have diverse concerns that vary from person to person. The analysis of an online survey showed that approximately 30% of those who had identified themselves as “worried” in the past had improved. Moreover, we found that among younger people, worry is more likely to improve, whereas uncertainty and anxiety are less likely to improve. In addition to problem-focused coping and acceptance, “decision by flight”（doing nothing in addition to sorting out problems）was considered effective in reducing worry. Effective coping methods differed according to the individual’s degree of psychological capital. Problem-focused coping and flight or oversight were effective for those with high psychological capital, whereas counseling was more effective for those with low psychological capital.