This investigation examined self-reliance and work preference variables as theoretical factors in career decision-making self-efficacy. As expected, each variable was significantly related to career decision- making self-efficacy (CDMSE), with counterdependence and preference for growth needs emerging as the more significant contributors. Counterdependence, a self-reliance strategy in which persons distance themselves from others, was significantly and negatively related to CDMSE, whereas preference for growth needs in one's career was significantly and positively related to CDMSE. Unexpectedly, CDMSE scores were also related to gender, with females reporting greater self- efficacy in gathering occupational information and career planning. Regression models incorporating self-reliance variables, work preferences, and gender to predict CDMSE facet and total scores were significant, accounting for 12.4% to 26.2% of explained variance. Implications for research and career guidance are discussed.