Career satisfaction and mobility intentions of Missouri public high school principals amid the wake of COVID-19

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this qualitative narrative study was to explore career satisfaction and mobility intentions of Missouri public high school principals after 3 or more years in the profession who served during the COVID-19 pandemic. The framework of this study was based on Bandura's (1977) Social Learning Theory and Herzberg et al.'s (1959) Two-factor Theory. Participants in this study included nine high school principals who served in Missouri public school districts, one from each of the RPDC regions across the state of Missouri. With research questions one, key themes associated with satisfactory experiences include change, collaboration, connection, helping and learning, problem- solving, and students overcoming challenges. Conversely, key themes associated with unsatisfactory experiences include pandemic related guidelines and challenges, student academic concerns, and staffing struggles, community turmoil, and work-life balance. For research question two, key themes related to overall mobility intentions amid the pandemic include passion and commitment, connections, managing people, workload, and support. In relation to workplace conditions, key themes included prioritization and time management, delegation, and an inability to balance. In relation to emotional aspects of the work, key themes included support, health, and hobbies. Exploring answers to the research questions, the researcher was provided invaluable insight into the perceptions of high school principal to portray their individual lived experiences concerning career satisfaction and mobility intentions. Approximately half the participants represented in the study were considering leaving the position, however the reasons were more personal related rather than pandemic related. Overall, when considering career satisfaction, while most spoke to the challenges, of the public high school principals represented in the study seemed energized and/or indifferent to the added stress and strain of the pandemic. Participants enjoy their career as a high school principal and are focused on meeting the challenges head on. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)