Queer workers often face discrimination based on their gender identity and sexual orientation which affects their ability to find employment, secure stable job roles, and achieve career advancement. The prevalence of precarious work arrangements can further exacerbate this issue by providing limited opportunities for growth and mobility within the same organization. As a result, queer employees may experience lower levels of self-worth and reduced confidence in planning for their future careers. This study will examine how workplace precarity influences self-worth and future orientation among queer individuals.
Self-Worth
Workplace precarity is defined as an unstable, temporary, or low-quality job that lacks security, benefits, and opportunities for professional development. In these conditions, queer employees are likely to be undervalued, underpaid, and subject to discriminatory practices that undermine their sense of self-worth and agency. Lack of stability and predictability in their jobs can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and insecurity about their ability to provide for themselves and their families.
If a worker's hours are irregular or their contract is short-term, they may worry about having enough income to cover basic expenses or paying unexpected bills.
Lack of benefits like health insurance and paid leave can make it difficult for them to seek medical attention when needed or take time off for personal matters without fear of losing wages. These challenges have been linked to poor mental health outcomes such as depression, burnout, and social isolation, which further impact self-esteem and well-being.
Future Orientation
Precarity also affects queer workers' ability to plan for the future by limiting access to resources necessary for career advancement. Without secure employment or consistent training opportunities, it becomes harder for them to acquire new skills or develop expertise within their field. They may feel trapped in entry-level positions with limited prospects for promotion or transfer to higher-paying roles. This can result in lower earnings over time, making it more difficult to achieve long-term financial goals such as buying a home or retiring comfortably.
Precarity often limits opportunities for networking and professional development outside one's current job, restricting access to potential mentors, collaborators, and partners who could help advance their careers.
Workplace precarity creates an environment where queer individuals face discrimination based on their identity while also undermining their sense of self-worth and future orientation. By understanding how this dynamic plays out, we can create policies that address both issues simultaneously, providing stable employment options with inclusive workplaces that value diversity and promote individual growth.
How does workplace precarity influence self-worth and future orientation in queer employees?
The experience of workplace precarity can impact an employee's sense of self-worth and their feelings about the future. Specifically for queer individuals, who may already face discrimination or marginalization due to their sexual orientation, experiencing instability in employment can exacerbate these issues. Queer workers are more likely than non-queer workers to be employed in low-wage, unstable jobs with few benefits and limited advancement opportunities.