Post-unemployment identity in middle-aged professionals

Retrenchment or a career transition can be challenging and stressful at any age but especially during middle-age. Evidence suggest that middle-aged people are psychologically worst hit by job loss. They are also find it more challenging to succeed in obtaining employment again that is compatible with their ability experience and previous income level. The average duration of unemployment tripled for individuals over the age of 55 rising faster than the unemployment duration of younger adults. The workplace has changed dramatically over the last decade and consequently the job-seeking process and skills required has changed. The qualitative Research reveals to what extend the participants associate their personal identity with their profession and the impact unemployment had on the person’s identity. Unemployment can become a life transition when a person can’t find a job doing the same work they’ve always done. Many not only rethink one thing but everything. Hope reawakens in us. “We come to realize the dream we dreamed has never died. We decide to resume our search …. For the life we know within our heart that we were meant to live.”