Unemployment During Coronavirus: The Psychology Of Job Loss

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(Newswire.net — May 27, 2020) — The impact of the Coronavirus outbreak has nothing been short of cataclysmic. Many employees have been faced with an untimely financial downfall as enterprise laid off and closed down business operations. Nevertheless, those who have not been affected anxiously wonder until when their security will last given a volatile economic condition, and an unstable environment.

Unemployment, whether foreseen or unexpected, creates unfathomable effects on economies and society. It also impacts families and has lingering negative implications to the human psyche as well. Studies have been conducted showing the relationship between joblessness and unstable mental health conditions. It has been linked to emotional disorders, violence, suicidal tendencies, and substance abuse.

Psychological Impacts of Unemployment:

  • Meaning and self-worth

Meaning and self-worth are affected by different factors. It can be personal relationships, and it also includes unemployment. A jobless individual exudes shame and inferiority as the person is stripped of the ability to generate one of the basic economic necessities for himself or for the family, which is to generate income. The effect is much deeper for people who have children. Employment is essential to identity and social perception. This is why people work their way through the corporate ladder to achieve better positions, get better salaries, and stand proud among their peers. Conversely, when unemployment strikes, the drive and positivity to push forward dies down. In the long run, this psychological downfall affects the individual’s health and attitude thinking that he or she is less worthy because of being jobless.

  • Sense of accomplishment

Recognition and acknowledgment can encourage drive and perseverance. Consequently, efforts in the workplace are compensated through benefits and a better salary package. As a regular employee would revere their seniors and the executives, they aspire for the same respect by fulfilling something better, or aspiring for something higher in the workplace. When a lot of people benefit from their work, it in turn gives them a sense of accomplishment knowing that they are efficient contributors in the circle. When this is stripped off due to unemployment, they become frustrated, depressed, and anguished.

  • Mental Health

Professors from Washington and Lee University claim that unemployment makes an individual pessimistic and distressed. It eventually leads to poor mental health brought about by anxiety, frustration, disappointment, and depression. This is even heightened as people surrounding the individual pronounce their own accomplishments, and financial capabilities in juxtaposition to their misfortune.

How part time jobs answer problems of unemployment:

Being employed for a long time makes us unconsciously establish monotonous daily routines. Getting unemployed disrupts this routine and takes us out of our comfort zone. Routines in general help efficiency and generate a feeling of security and safety because they give predictable and expected end results.

Ultimately, the solution for unemployment is getting yourself employed. If full-time jobs don’t come easy, you can check out a few of the best part time jobs in the market:

  • Freelance

Freelancing in a sensitive working environment is probably one of the best options in the market. Remote working offers a variety of options for different specializations. There are many patrons of freelancing work nowadays, and it only takes a great selling point to offer your services to potential clients. Freelancing offers different types of work from encoding, document conversion, sales, customer support, graphics, content creation to business plan proposals. The greatest advantage freelancing can offer is the ability to do business and offer services at the comfort of your own home. Ultimately, if you thrive in freelancing, it can even suffice as your main source of income.

  • Online Selling

Online selling has been very common nowadays. It’s relatively easy to set up, and more cost-efficient compared to the traditional business establishments we know. For starters, if there is a passion you want to pursue, online selling can be a channel to restore your drive and instill positivity. It’s a good distraction that can also improve your mental health.

Surround yourself with good people

People who get good support from family and friends are generally more stable and healthier in terms of mental health. Socialize and spend time with good people. It is particularly helpful to get clear, positive motivation from those who matter, and those who want the best for you. Seek help when needed. The first step to addressing mental health issues is actually accepting that you have one.

Conclusion

We have been living in unusually sensitive conditions since the pandemic began. Companies and industries thrive to survive, and people are faced with critically unfortunate conditions greatly influenced by unemployment. The increasing rate of jobless individuals is a serious economic concern by all nations. But, more than that, employees who get laid off are inflicted with adverse psychological impacts in the given situation.