Veneta Krasteva
Institute for the Study of Societies and Knowledge at Bulgarian Academy of Science, Sofia, Bulgaria
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31410/EMAN.2018.949
2nd International Scientific Conference – EMAN 2018 – Economics and Management: How to Cope With Disrupted Times, Ljubljana – Slovenia, March 22, 2018, CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS published by: Association of Economists and Managers of the Balkans, Belgrade, Serbia; Faculty of Management Koper, Slovenia; Doba Business School – Maribor, Slovenia; Integrated Business Faculty – Skopje, Macedonia; Faculty of Management – Zajecar, Serbia, ISBN 978-86-80194-11-0
Abstract
The report explores the consequences of prolonged unemployment from a subjective point of view. The analysis is based on information obtained from in-depth interviews with people from three age groups – those born in 1990-95, in 1970-75, and in 1950-55 – who have entered the labour market in periods with high levels of unemployment in Bulgaria. By conducting thematic analysis of the life-course narratives we examine respondent`s perspectives as to how the unemployment or job insecurity early in the career have impacted on their lives. The consequences pointed out by young people include material deprivation, limited access to health services, low self-esteem, interruption of social contacts, postponement of creating a family and living in a home of one’s own, loss of hope for a better future. Along with the negative consequences, some positive ones were also identified, such as young people’s enhanced motivation to deal with the arising difficulties and their striving for personal development.
Key words
early-career unemployment, job insecurity, consequences, young people, Bulgaria