Conceptual Structure of Mentality Not Actively Expressing Regular Employment: An Approach from the“ Part-Timer for the Time Being” Consciousness

Abstract

Conventional career education has only slight application to younger-generation workers who choose to be a “part-timer” as their desired career path after completion of their final schooling. This study was conducted to ascertain their hierarchical, actual state of mind. Using original survey data （N=247）, we specifically examined the internal factors and the conceptual structure of the mentality of persons who desire to become a“ part-timer for the time being,” including their state of consciousness. An examination was conducted using structural equation modeling in which the“ parttimer for the time being” intervened between personal factors and consciousness about working. The results presented the following insights.

Losing self-confidence, being in a moratorium, and vague understanding underlie the “part-timer for the time being” consciousness by which a person feels unable to express their will of “what I want to do.” They relate the negativity toward working.

Role models are the key to raising feelings of ownership of one’s career and avoiding ambiguous career choices.

Vaguely continuing a part-timer lifestyle that lacks a sense of reality can negatively affect the realization of career development. If young people overcome harsh realities by taking a temporarily ambiguous stance and attitude with a sense of reality that includes understanding of their situation and circumstances, then the experience might have positive effects on how they envision their career.