Handbook of Human Resource Development

The Inner Work of Self-Formation in Work-Related Learning

John M. Dirkx

Michigan State University

In 1977, Johnny Paycheck's hit song, “Take This Job and Shove It,” seemed to crystalize the bitterness and resentment that many felt about their work. Over the last thirty-five years, however, we have seen little improvement in worker satisfaction. In fact, it may have gotten worse. In a review of the literature on job satisfaction, Kalleberg (2011) concluded that “the overall level of job satisfaction in the American labor force has declined since the 1970s” (p. 176). In describing their relationship to their work, many individuals reflect a sense ...