The purpose of this study was to investigate how principal workload, job isolation, mentoring, autonomy, and compensation impact the perceived job satisfaction of rural elementary (K-8) principals in Illinois. Principal job satisfaction is strongly driven by one's working conditions. Principals who find more satisfaction with their working conditions (the previously listed factors) tend to have higher retention rates. Those who are less satisfied with their working conditions tend to have lower retention rates. Therefore, examining those factors more closely can help superintendents to navigate the complexities in fostering working conditions that promote principal retention. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]