This study examines the impact of the pre-career psychological state of the Taiwanese Millennium generation on their initial labor market success. Utilizing the Panel Study of Family Dynamics (PSFD), we analyze whether students' emotions, life satisfaction, and personality traits predict the duration of their first job search and their subsequent wage income, and how these factors correlate with their later work-life satisfaction.

A multi-stage regression model is employed to test three key linkages: First, we examine how pre-career positive emotions and life satisfaction are shaped by comprehensive family background factors, including the health of grandparents and parents, household income, family relationships, living arrangements, and attitudes toward marriage and family. Second, we assess the influence of developmental-stage psychological health, happiness, personality, and family background on the length of the first job search. Third, we explore how wage income, happiness during developmental years, and family background affect happiness and life satisfaction during the working period.

Crucially, in the context of rapid aging and declining fertility, the study emphasizes the role of intergenerational relationships. We specifically analyze how the care and residential arrangements for elderly family members affect the labor market decisions and outcomes of the younger generation. Ultimately, this research aims to verify if higher positive emotions and life satisfaction predict enhanced career success. It emphasizes the importance of mental health and emotional well-being for achieving economic success, and contributes to the discussion on societal issues, such as intergenerational kinship and integrated care, in the context of population aging.

Authors:
Ming-Feng Hsieh, Tunghai University, Taiwan
You-Yi Ju, Tunghai University, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Ming-Feng Hsieh is currently an Associate Professor of Economics at Tunghai University, Taiwan. Dr. Hsieh’s research interests are in aging, education, health, labor economics, and public policy.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

Bookmark