Table 1 Exploratory factor analysis for the items of the Rigid and Flexible Persistence Scale (n = 150)

1. I work hard at my work goals, but other things matter as well

.975

 − .188

.931

2. I work hard to achieve a work goal, but can stop if necessary

.544

 − .001

.295

3. I really focus on my work when it's time to do it

.585

.089

.359

4. I try to reach my work goals but not at the expense of other life goals

.836

 − .064

.689

5. I am willing to do anything to reach the top at work

.135

.741

.617

6. When it comes to reaching my goals at work, nothing else matters

-.058

.913

.823

7. It is OK for me to focus only on work goals in order to succeed

.066

.816

.653

8. I am willing to let go of some things in life in order to excel at work

.114

.492

.325

% Explained variance

41.65

33.35

Total % explained variance

75.00

Correlation between factors

.148

Cronbach’s alpha

.81

.82

McDonald’s omega

.82

.83