Abstract
The 21st century work environment is rapidly changing due to globalisation, Industry 4.0, and the rise of alternative work arrangements, forcing workers to have a greater sense of self-direction and adaptability. This study aimed to examine the role of career adaptability and vocational identity on the levels of subjective well-being experienced by freelancers in the gig economy. A quantitative study was conducted by administering the following instruments, namely the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9), the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS) and the Vocational Identity Measure (VIM) to a convenience sample of 124 South African freelancers (n =124). Correlational analyses, multiple-regression analyses, and structural equation modelling were conducted. The results indicated that all four dimensions of career adaptability were positively correlated to work engagement. Additionally, a positive relationship was found between vocational identity, work engagement, and satisfaction with life, as well as career adaptability and vocational identity. The control component of career adaptability was also found to partially mediate the relationship between vocational identity and work engagement. This study contributes to knowledge regarding how vocational identity and career adaptability can influence freelancers’ level of subjective well-being in terms of satisfaction with life and work engagement. Keywords: career adaptability, vocational identity, subjective well-being, satisfaction with life, work engagement, freelancers, gig economy.