Research shows that work is closely related to self-esteem (Walter, 1993). Yet many young people who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) are choosing not to work. How does this affect their self-esteem and overall quality of life? Quality of life (QoL) is the satisfaction one feels about his current situation. Using the Comprehensive Quality of Life Scale-Adult (ComQol-A5) (Cummins, 1997), the perceived QoL of eleven pairs of matched participants(N=22) from a State School for the Deaf was measured. Data were used to analyze the impact that employment had upon their perceived QoL. The results indicated no significant differences in the two groups. The unemployed participants appeared to be just as happy as those who were employed. This was an unexpected finding, and possible reasons for these results are discussed. Several significant correlations were found between the seven life components of QoL. Suggestions for future research are offered
