Job-Occupation Choice and Happiness at Work of Refugees: A Cross-Country Qualitative Research

Abstract

This study aims at examining and comparing the situational conditions, terms and resources that are effective in the choice of job-occupation and situations that make them happy in their job in the country of origin (the country they come from) and the host country (Türkiye) from which they migrate. In line with this aim, the phenomenology approach, which is one of the qualitative research methods, has been used in this study. Qualitative data obtained as a result of structured interviews with 16 refugees who came to Türkiye from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, currently working in an organization or running their own business, have been subjected to content analysis. According to the findings of the study, it has been determined that the majority of the refugees (f=13) have different jobs in the country of origin and the host country, and the factors that affect their choice of job-occupation have changed. While the main factor that causes the choice of job-occupation in the country of origin is the orientation of the family and being raised in that occupation from childhood (f=6), in the host country, the job-occupation is a necessity rather than a choice (f=11), the obligation to look after the family and financial needs have been the source of the motivation to work in any kind of job. When the two countries are compared, it has been determined that the reasons for the happiness of the refugees in the work they do in the host country also change. The sources that make them happy at work in the country of origin are spending time with family, achievement, service to the country, passion for the work, financial gain, spirituality, dignity and trust. Resources that make them happy at work in the host country are financial gain, social support, autonomous working conditions, being helpful to others, equity, appreciation and spirituality.