Some researchers have suggested that there are developmental stages in adult life. If adult developmental stages exist, such stages would be reflected in one's career. Individuals would progress from their career dream when they first enter the work force through a period of stability, a mid-life transition period when they compare reality to their dream, and finally to a stage of accepting the reality of their career. If adult life stage theory is correct, the motivational styles of need for achievement, need for power, and need for affiliation should be sensitive indicators of changes in individuals as they progress through the career stages. To test this assuption, motivational style was measured by administering the Job Choice Decision-Making Exercise to 119 public school employees. Subjects also provided demographic data and rank ordered satisfying activities. A cluster analysis of results revealed three groups, each dominated by a different motivational style. No significant differences were found among the groups in terms of their ages, the number of years in their current occupation, or the number of dependent children. Multiple regressions revealed no significant relationships among these variables and motivational style. No differences were found among groups' ratings of activities which produced the most satisfaction. These results do not support the existence of discrete stages in adult life or career stages. (NRB)