Führungskräfte: Hochqualifiziert, erfolgreich, arbeitssuchend – Vier Betroffene berichten

In Germany, it used to be believed that those who were diligent, motivated and qualified would find work. However, the job market has changed. According to the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), around 15,000 jobs are lost each month in industry alone. Many job seekers are now finding fewer open positions. Notably, in the past year, the number of unemployed executives has risen by 14 percent across all industries, according to the Federal Statistical Office.

The percentage of academics unemployed for over a year has also increased. The Handelsblatt launched an appeal on LinkedIn, which received over 100 responses from qualified professionals, many of whom were in management positions. Most were let go or offered a contract termination. Some quit their employers, believing they could find something new quickly.

Most were between 50 and 60 years old. Four of them share their experiences of long unemployment and the challenges it presents.

Lukas Meier* had a stellar career resume - from a large corporation to leading positions as Vice President, Financial Vice President and Group Finance Director at a mid-sized company. His last position was as Financial Vice President and Board Member at a large retail company with around 500 employees. His annual salary was 400,000 euros.

At the end of 2024, his board contract expired without being renewed. "I thought I would try something else," says Meier. Finding a new job, however, is difficult and time-consuming. "This has surprised me about my resume," he says. Meier is fortunate financially; he has no immediate need to work, but wonders what he will do with his time by the age of 50. "Will I just sit home and read the newspaper?"

Nils Schmidt, former CEO of the Association for Professional and Managerial Personnel (DFK), is observing many such cases. Over the past year, the number of people being advised by the association has risen, with around 2,000 job losses in the last year alone. Schmidt also notes a shift in mood: from grief to anger to resignation.

Recently, an unemployed manager was heard screaming uncontrollably on the phone, furious at his former employer. "Sometimes, it has to be said," Schmidt says. The association has trained its consultants to handle these emotionally charged situations properly. However, they are lawyers, not psychologists, and advise those they counsel to seek additional psychological support if needed.