Führungskräfte: Hochqualifiziert, erfolgreich, arbeitssuchend – Vier Betroffene berichten

In Germany, the belief once prevailed that hardworking, motivated, and qualified individuals would always find employment. However, the job market has undergone a transformation. During the current economic downturn, many companies are not only hiring fewer people but also reducing positions. According to the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), approximately 15,000 jobs are lost each month in the industry alone.

Consequently, a growing number of job seekers are encountering fewer open positions. A notable shift has occurred, with highly qualified academics, executives, or managers being increasingly affected. Within a year, the number of jobless executives across all sectors has surged by 14 percent, as reported by the Federal Statistical Office.

Moreover, the percentage of academics remaining unemployed for over a year has also risen. The Handelsblatt newspaper initiated a call on the LinkedIn job platform, which garnered responses from over 100 affected individuals. These professionals are well-qualified, led teams, and some held C-level positions. Most of them were either laid off or offered contract terminations.

Some even left their employers voluntarily, anticipating the opportunity to secure new employment. The majority of these individuals fall within the age range of 50 to 60. Four of them share their experiences, detailing the challenges posed by the prolonged job search.