Future work self stems from the concept of possible selves that constitute the future-oriented aspects of the self-concept. These
possible selves may be both positive and negative in terms of what one hopes to become and or hopes to avoid becoming (Markus
& Nurius, 1986). Theoretically, possible selves are a source of identity-based motivation that influences current behavior consistent
with one's characteristics and aimed toward the attainment of a desired future (Oyserman & James, 2011). Within the context of
possible selves, research has demonstrated its motivational influence on behavior related to career aspirations. For example, Destin
and Oyserman (2010) reported that middle-school students from a low-income background who envisioned a desired occupation
that required higher education tended to earn higher grades than students who did not see their future occupation as education
dependent. A longitudinal study by Beal and Crockett (2010) mirrored these results with a sample of low-income rural teens. In
this study, 15-year olds that aspired to further their education and attain prestigious occupations did in fact attain more education
7 years later. Given the theoretical and empirical links between current behavior and a desired future, examining the motivational
influence of the future self in the context of work may lend itself to understanding the engagement of proactive career behaviors
that lead to successful attainment of a preferred occupation and subsequent career management.