99ers, Unemployment and Depression

The 99ers, being the unemployed for more than 99 weeks are faced with more dilemma unprecedented. Millions of these 99ers are said to be underwater on their mortgages, meaning they cannot sell their homes. They are “structurally unemployed,” as others see it which means their skills are way obsolete to these days. 99ers are maybe just unlucky to have been trained to work in shrinking industries, tied to particular locations by mortgages or families, and most of the time overqualified for the positions they apply for. However, some believes that they just aren’t hired because of qualification but because of age.

Worried Senior Man on Bed with Wife --- Image by © LWA-Dann Tardif/Corbis

These 99ers are on the bridge of further problems simply because most companies favor the currently employed with the impression that they are more valuable hires.

Some studies even point out that unemployment causes despair especially on those who have been unemployed for more than six months.

Unemployment is definitely a disadvantage but every state has an unemployment office that’s willing to lend a hand. Why not take advantage of the help and stay positive? It’s easier said than done but while there is hope, nothing’s final.