Executives: Highly qualified, successful, looking for work – Four people affected report
In the crisis, people whose careers have so far gone steeply upwards are also no longer finding a job. Four people affected tell us what challenges this presents them with.
In Germany, the belief prevailed that only diligent, motivated, and qualified individuals could find employment. However, the job market has undergone a transformation. Currently, several companies are not only hiring fewer workers but also laying off employees. According to the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), around 15,000 jobs are lost every month in the industrial sector alone.
Consequently, more job seekers are discovering fewer available positions. Notably, even highly qualified academics, managers, or executives are increasingly facing this situation. Within a year, the number of unemployed managers across all industries has surged by 14 percent, as reported by the Federal Statistical Office. Additionally, the proportion of academics remaining unemployed for over a year has also risen recently.
The Handelsblatt published an appeal on LinkedIn, which attracted over 100 such individuals. They possess qualifications, have led teams, and some held C-level positions. Most were let go or offered a contract termination, while a few voluntarily resigned believing they would quickly secure new opportunities. Most of these individuals are between 50 and 60 years old.
Four of them share their experiences of facing extended unemployment and the challenges it presents.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
