Life Cycle Squeeze and the Morale Curve

Abstract

Morale is high when people know the ropes in a stable career context and are at a stage in the family cycle where their resources and rewards balance their aspirations. For most modern workers that balance is least evident early and late in when morale sags expecially among solitary survivors or young couples with preschool children. Empirical data reported here on the deviant case of professionals in a solid financial position employed or unemployed show more balance between rewards and aspirations over the cycle but a modest loss of morale when children leave home. Unemployed professionals under severe financial pressure however fit the pattern mass; they are relieved when children leave. A great range of behaviors and attitudes can be explained by the use of the idea of life cycle squeeze and by attention to interlocking cycles of family work consumption social participation and morale. (authors modified)