Time preference is a key determinant of occupational choice and investments in human capital. Since careers are characterized by different wage growth prospects, individual discount rates play an important role in the relative valuation of jobs or occupations. We predict that individuals with...

Time preference is a key determinant of occupational choice and investments in human capital. Since careers are characterized by different wage growth prospects, individual discount rates play an important role in the relative valuation of jobs or occupations. We predict that individuals with...

The discount rate is a key determinant of investments in human capital and occupational choice. Individuals who are less future oriented - i.e. have a higher discount rate - are less likely to invest in human capital and hence more likely to select into careers with lower and flatter earnings...