Abstract
Prestigious occupations that are often viewed as symbols of success may conceal significant psychological burdens arising from moral dilemmas, extreme demands, and public scrutiny. This study explores the impact of dirty work on employee well-being in prestegious occupations by emphasizing self-taint and emotional strain. Using the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) framework our research examines psychological capital (PsyCap) as a mediator and Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) and social support (SS) as moderators. Findings highlight the critical role of relational and psychological resources in mitigating taint-induced stress. This research extends dirty work literature, offering actionable insights for fostering resilience and well-being in elite professional environments.