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Job loss and its aftermath among managers and professionals: wounded, fragmented and flexible

Author

Listed:
  • Yiannis Gabriel

    (University of Bath, UK)

  • David E Gray

    (University of Surrey, UK)

  • Harshita Goregaokar

    (University of Surrey, UK)

Abstract

Based on longitudinal fieldwork with unemployed managers and professionals in their 50s, the article examines the meaning of job loss to these people and charts their subsequent efforts to restore their lives. The article identifies core similarities in their experiences and discerns different narrative strategies through which they have tried to make sense of their dismissal and sustain their selfhood. For all, job loss was a considerable trauma leading to a fragmentation of identity; this was compounded by subsequent rejection and perceived discrimination. Few were able to resume their earlier careers; the majority had to adjust their expectations downwards and opt for either virtual deskilling in less well paid and less demanding jobs or for an assortment of part-time, casual and voluntary work. Best ‘adapted’ (and least fragmented) were those who were prepared to forsake hopes of a return to high-powered jobs and display flexibility, resourcefulness and opportunism in adapting to their reduced circumstances.

Suggested Citation

  • Yiannis Gabriel & David E Gray & Harshita Goregaokar, 2013. "Job loss and its aftermath among managers and professionals: wounded, fragmented and flexible," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 27(1), pages 56-72, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:27:y:2013:i:1:p:56-72
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Michael J. Handel & Alexandria Valerio & Maria Laura Sánchez Puerta, 2016. "Accounting for Mismatch in Low- and Middle-Income Countries," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 24906.
    2. Gush, Karon & Laurie, Heather & Scott, James, 2015. "Job loss and social capital: the role of family, friends and wider support networks," ISER Working Paper Series 2015-07, Institute for Social and Economic Research.
    3. Srinath Jagannathan & Rajnish Rai, 2017. "Organizational Wrongs, Moral Anger and the Temporality of Crisis," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 141(4), pages 709-730, April.

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