by Virginia L. Allen

Created on: February 01, 2009

As recent reports have shown, there is no such thing as the "job for life". With over two million people unemployed, the noble idea of job security, is as extinct as the dinosaurs.

While it's easy to point fingers at who is to blame for the unstable economy, rarely do those 'unaffected', see just how much of an impact unemployment truly has on society as a whole.

Logically, when people are unemployed, their ability to manage the necessities in life (i.e shelter, food, transportation, health care, other debts etc.) are immediately jeapordized. This in turn leads to a 'trickle down' effect involving; a.) less spending on non essentials, b.) an increased reliance on governmental aid and, c.) an adverse effect on supply meeting demand.

However, the impact of unemployment is not strictly limited to physicality, it also stands to reason that it has a strong impact on one's psyche. How so?

Those effected often experience significant psychological damage. Since meaningful and stable work contributes immensely to feelings of personal well worth, the devastation of those effected is quite staggering. The book "Parting Company" identifies the most frequent emotions experienced by the unemployed include: a.) anger, b.) fear, c.) self pity, d.) sadness, and e.) shame. (sadly, it's no wonder that we hear news reports of some resorting to murder-suicide).

Unsettling as it is, the effects are experienced by young and old alike. A survey revealed that people between the ages of 45 and 59 were the most likely to be targeted by companies for dismissal. However, it is this particular age group that finds it the most difficult to adjust to unexpected change.

And how does unemployment effect the youth of our society? For many youths, attaining employment signals the start of real adult life. Unemployment will only cause much devastation, resulting in shattered dreams, loss of personal identities, and lack of zeal for life in general.

Families too have been directly effected. Increased anxiety and stress from the loss of employment, has often aggraviated existing problems or, brought much fear and uncertainty in a once stable home. And since children feed off the emotions of their parents, it stands to reason that there will be an increase of 'stressed out' kids.

Ironically, for those who may have not been 'directly' effected, even their current employment cannot give them peace of mind. Because of this unstable economy's tract record, the prospect of their own future job loss, incurs a subtle, yet devastating effect.

Therefore, the impact of unemployment on society is inumerable. It effects people of all ages and backgrounds, no matter what religious or political affiliation they belong to. It's impact is felt globally, spanning all seas and continents, leaving in it's wake; fear, uncertainty, loss of moral values, loss of self respect, and loss of confidence.

The question remains, if you find yourself unemployed, how will you choose to allow the situation to effect you and your family? What kind of impact will you choose to make?

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