Factors influencing State of Arizona Cooperative Extension 4-H agents to leave their profession

Factors were identified that influenced Arizona Cooperative Extension 4-H agents to leave their profession between 1970 and 1981. A population comprised of 21 current and 32 former Arizona Cooperative Extension agents was utilized. Data were collected via a mailed questionnaire. Salary, weekend and evening meetings and pay per hour of work had "very much influence" on the former 4-H agents' decision to leave the profession. Current 4-H agents also indicated that salary, weekend, and evening meetings and pay per hour might influence 4-H agents to leave their profession.

Working with youth to achieve goals and awards had more influence on both the former and current 4-H agents to enter 4-H as a profession than salary or their parents. Majority of the former 4-H agents who were employed at older ages (28 and above) tended to stay longer in the 4-H profession than those employed at younger ages.