Career Future Time Perspective and Perceived Future Sustainable Career: Pathways to Life and Academic Satisfaction

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the role of career future time perspective as a psychological resource in fostering students’ well‐being within the theoretical framework of Career Construction Theory and the Life Design paradigm. Specifically, we examined the extent to which career future time perspective predicts life satisfaction and academic satisfaction both directly and indirectly through the perceived future sustainable career. A sample of 209 Italian university students completed validated measures of career future time perspective, perceived future sustainable career, life satisfaction, and academic satisfaction. Structural equation modeling supported a partial mediation model, showing that career future time perspective was positively associated with perceived future sustainable career, which was in turn positively associated with both life and academic satisfaction. In addition, career future time perspective exerted significant direct effects on both well‐being outcomes. These findings highlight perceived future sustainable career as a key mechanism translating future‐oriented perspectives into well‐being, while also supporting the independent role of career future time perspective as a predictor of satisfaction. The study contributes to the literature by integrating future orientation and perceived future sustainable career constructs within a unified model of career development and well‐being. Practical implications include the design of career guidance interventions aimed at strengthening students’ ability to envision sustainable career paths, aligning personal aspirations with long‐term well‐being and social contribution.