Greece is already in a crisis. Spain seems to be the next in line. Not surprising considering its unemployment rate at 18%. I was in Turkey last week and apparently they have the second highest unemployment rate in Europe, at 14%. In short, it is a bad time in Euro Area. I wonder how the unemployed cope.
How scary can unemployment be? I talked about it with my Malaysian friends. I had blogged about it. But honestly, I do not truly appreciate the magnitude of its effect because I had never experienced it myself. Whew, lucky me? Or shall I say, lucky Malaysians?
Latest unemployment rate - 2010
The recent global financial crisis did not hit Malaysia as much as it does to Europe and US. However, many had caution bad times ahead. How will we tackle the situation? How will I face it - I mean, no job for six months, one year or even more? Will I fall apart? Will I be crying every night?
Our job forms such an important aspect of our life. It is not just a matter of livelihood but it entirely defines our identity whether we like it or not. A job loss equates to a loss in identity. As simple as that.
Job Loss = Temporary Identity Loss
Of course, a job loss would change our lifestyle. We certainly need to cut spending and probably do some downgrading exercise. But the impact of losing a job and the inability to find one soon will land us in a state of hopelessness and that’s what the government and society at large fear most. A group of hopeless people can turn violent and hence, contribute to social ills. It doesn't take a genius to know high unemployment will always leads to higher crime rate.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that the unemployment rate in Malaysia will remain status quo, if not lower.
No, I don't wish to have the experience of being out of work to blog about it.
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