Send us a text

We explore the widespread impact of job loss and the invisible stigma that comes with unemployment, revealing that three out of four American workers will experience this challenge at some point in their careers. Despite common assumptions, research shows that education, experience, and track record don't shield anyone from the possibility of unemployment.

• Long-term unemployment (six months or longer) creates an "unemployment trap" where the longer someone is unemployed, the harder it becomes to re-enter the workforce
• Job loss impacts more than just income—it disrupts time structure, social connections, collective purpose, status, identity, and regular activities
• Employers demonstrate bias against candidates with employment gaps regardless of qualifications
• The SCARF model (Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness) explains why job loss feels so threatening to our fundamental sense of self
• Effective coping strategies include self-compassion, maintaining social connections, accepting reality, and developing a step-by-step plan to move forward
• Organizations have a responsibility to provide support for both tangible (financial) and intangible (emotional, identity) needs during layoffs
• Challenging meritocratic beliefs that blame individuals for unemployment is crucial for reducing stigma

Remember, your professional identity is just one part of who you are. Sometimes what feels like a setback can be the beginning of something new.

Support the show

https://www.mybigletdown.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-big-let-down/