Abstract
Future Work Self (FWSs, Strauss et al., 2012), which refers to cognitive representations of individuals’ hopes and aspirations related to work, offers an opportunity to foster a profound sense of work meaning in work. The activation of the meaning-making process also contributes to achieving a sense of purpose in life. Hypotheses were tested through a three-wave survey conducted with a sample of graduate students (N = 117). The findings revealed that higher levels of FWS salience and positive affect in envisioning the FWS were significantly associated with meaning-making, which in turn predicted a greater sense of purpose in life. This study highlights how individuals can derive meaning from a hypothetical future work to guide their career management. It also contributes to the FWS literature by providing evidence of the predictive potential of FWSs in meaning-making and fostering a sense of purpose in life.