We investigated how work-related career shocks experienced serve as a boundary condition of the support-career meaning relationship. According to Bakker et al. (2003), resources are aspects “that are either: (1) functional in achieving work goals; (2) reduce job demands and the associated physiological and psychological costs; and (3) stimulate personal growth and development” (p. 344). In times of change, research suggests support in the workplace is a key resource which helps employees adapt. Both traditional and peer mentoring can offer psychosocial as well as instrumental support.

Our results extend research studying the role of social context in shaping individual career-related and well-being outcomes. The results further reveal that coworker psychosocial support and supervisor support lead to greater career meaning, which, in turn, decreases burnout and leads to increased well-being, career optimism, and perceived employability. Interestingly, we find that coworker career support does not directly contribute to career meaning and the above mentioned outcomes unless individuals receive this support when they also experience greater work-related career shocks. This suggests that receiving support from coworkers alone may not be enough for employees to experience career meaning.