The contemporary world of work is one that exerts challenges on employees. Such challenges have their manifestation in mental and physical health problems. Within the public service, it is noted that life and career challenges predominate. Affected by this are public service employees who often have to bear the brunt of challenges experienced in their work and personal lives. We sought to understand how public service employees undergoing life and career challenges cope with such difficulty. This study examined the role of mindfulness in helping individuals deal with challenges effectively, particularly in the context of working adults. Previous research in career psychology has paid little attention to understanding the role of mindfulness subjectively among working adults when faced with various challenges. Our sample consisted of individuals who, through an Employee Assistance Programme, had undergone mindfulness therapy support e