Career counselling mid-career laid-off workers

ABSTRACT

Jobs in the manufacturing sector have been largely relocated to countries offering a competitive advantage, particularly in terms of labour costs. For this reason, mid-career workers from this sector and from western countries have been largely displaced. These mid-career workers from the manufacturing sector are subsequently forced to compete for jobs in the newly booming service industry sector. This unplanned transition can be financially and psychologically challenging. This article investigates the consequences of institutional and individual stigma of unemployment as well as the mental health challenges associated with unemployment. Then three career psychology theories are applied as counselling strategies for this population, including Dawis and Lofquist's work adjustment theory; Krumboltz's social learning theory; and Cochran's narrative career counselling.

KEYWORDS:

• Laid-off workers
• unemployment
• career counselling
• career development
• counselling interventions

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Informed consent and ethical statement

Informed consent and ethics review are not required or applicable to this article, as it is entirely based on existing literature that is fully accessible to the public.

Data availability statement

Data availability is not applicable to this article, as it is entirely based on existing literature that is fully accessible to the public.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Charles P. Chen

Charles P. Chen, PhD, is Professor of Counselling and Clinical Psychology and a Canada Research Chair in Life Career Development at the University of Toronto.

Siraj Waglay

Siraj Waglay, RN, RP, CPMHN(C), MScN, is a Mental Health Clinician in Health and Wellness at Student Life Programs and Services, University of Toronto.