Abstract
The study includes a transcendental phenomenological approach to describe the lived experiences of women over 50 following job losses, the barriers faced to reemployment, and the ways by which women overcame the barriers to reemployment, and compares these experiences to the experiences of men. The data gathered from a convenience sample of 10 women between the ages of 56 and 74 provided in-depth descriptions of participant experiences following job loss. The findings indicated that women and men view and cope with job loss differently. Further studies could lead organizational leaders and policy makers to a more in-depth understanding of the experiences of women over 50 following job loss and provide guidance when considering strategies to address the unique needs of older workers seeking reemployment.
TopBackground
The Great Recession of 2007–2009 had a significant impact on the U.S. labor market (Ahn & Song, 2017). In order to remain competitive, U.S. companies outsourced work abroad in technology, call centers, human resources, and manufacturing (Amadeo, 2020). Millions of people lost their jobs, and long-term unemployment increased (Ahn & Song, 2017; Schmidt, 2020). Seventy percent of men were displaced; they worked in industries such as construction and manufacturing where employees had a greater risk of losing their jobs (Schmidt, 2020). Men were hit the hardest with job loss at the beginning of the Great Recession, and the unemployment rate for men moved ahead of the unemployment rate for women (Kalleberg & von Wachter, 2017).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Involuntary Job Loss: Workers who have no control over losing their jobs.
Older Workers: Workers who are aged 50 and over.
Displaced: Workers who lost their jobs resulting from the closing of a plant or company.
Outsourced: Companies contract work in another country to lower labor costs.
Barriers to Reemployment: Obstacles such as age discrimination, stereotypical beliefs, and organizational practices that prevent workers from getting a job.
Long-Term Unemployed: Workers who are out of a job for 27 or more weeks.
Lived Experiences: Perceptions of one’s experience following job loss.
Underemployment: Underpaid, experienced, and skilled workers in jobs that do not allow them to use their skills and abilities.
Great Recession: A time in the history of the U.S. when there was a substantial decrease in the number of employed workers.