Dream Life Dream Job :Lifestyles That Determine Job Search Criteria Of Generation Y College Students In Thailand

Abstract

Using a mixed method approach, this study investigated the effect of lifestyles on job search criteria of the generation Y in Thailand. Lifestyle was viewed via the Attitudes, Interest, Opinions (AIO) concept. Eight focus group sessions were conducted with 68 participants; a survey was conducted with 2,293 persons’ country-wide. An exploratory factor analysis was performed and extracted 17 lifestyles, which were then regressed against 6 job search criteria. We found that persons with different lifestyles considered job search criteria differently. Extrinsic criteria, i.e., salary and job security were influenced by lifestyles that reflected pecuniary importance such as hard-working, self-image and fashion, active online, and masculinity. Intrinsic criteria, i.e., college major-job match, opportunity advancement, and challenge of the job, were influenced by lifestyles that reflected personal and inner interests. Job security was more important to males while college major-job match was more important to females.