The sources of faculty work dissatisfaction in U.S. colleges and universities were studied in 1978-1979. A sample of 1972 faculty teaching in 24 institutions were mailed questionnaires, and 1,096 usable responses were received. The sample included faculty from eight universities, eight liberal arts colleges, and eight community colleges. Five personal factors emerged: self-interest and institutional interest, discipline concerns, a pessimistic viewpoint of higher education, and perceived power of faculty. Three environmental factors also were found: facilities, quality, and financial support. Multiple regression analysis revealed two major factors: quality and pessimism. A strong faculty concern for quality in their students, colleagues, and work environment was found. In evaluating the pessimism factor, a predictor indicating career/role dissatisfaction, concerns for quality again emerged. In short, faculty concerns for a perceived diminution of quality were a principal predictor of dissatisfaction with their place of work and career. The results held irrespective of age, sex, rank, security (tenure), and type of institution. More dissatisfaction was expressed with place of employment than with the career. A questionnaire is appended. (SW)