Findings of recent studies on career and family orientation suggest that the variables that might be predictive of life style are related to personality, the influence of significant others, and certain demographic characteristics. Men and women were surveyed to determine if the predictors of life style orientation are the same for males and females, correlates of life style for career and family oriented males and females, and if separate, distinct patterns would emerge for males and females. Married men and women (N=53) with doctoral degrees and who had children completed the Satisfaction Scale, the California Psychological Inventory and a modified life style inventory. The data delineated four distinct profiles for career and family oriented males and females. Analyses of results indicated that the influence of significant others, particularly mothers, was the most meaningful predictor of career and family orientation for both sexes. Number and timing of children were especially important in male orientation, while spouses' attitudes and demographics were important in female orientation. The findings point to the powerful influence of significant others on life style orientations of both male and female professionals. (PAS)