Dirty work history and future career success: Does the “dirt” stick?

Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol 111(8), Aug 2026, 1008-1036; doi:10.1037/apl0001367
Although research has identified the negative experiences and attitudes of individuals currently holding dirty jobs, it remains unclear whether holding these jobs relates to future career outcomes for individuals once they leave their dirty work roles. Drawing on the public and self-stigma model, we argue the outcomes of dirty work do not cease after employees exit dirty jobs but extend to predict future career success. We tested our hypotheses using a multidecade nationally representative longitudinal sample, a simulated hiring experiment, and a qualitative study of previous dirty workers. The results indicate individuals with career histories that included dirty work experience both public and self-stigma, which relates to lower income and prestige in future jobs as well as a higher likelihood and longer length of unemployment between jobs, compared to individuals with no previous dirty jobs. Moreover, the negative associations with individuals’ future career outcomes were shown to be stronger with greater amounts of dirty work experience previously accumulated throughout their careers (i.e., the number of prior dirty jobs, total length of dirty work, dirtiness of jobs held). These findings suggest deleterious outcomes of holding dirty work remain even after employees leave those roles, shedding light on the enduring associations between stigmatized work experiences and individuals’ future career success. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)