Maybe "good life" was too strong. Really I meant to say at least positively employed. Losing a job you've had for a while (even if it's just a year) is a pret

Maybe "good life" was too strong. Really I meant to say at least positively employed. Losing a job you've had for a while (even if it's just a year) is a pretty big shock. You feel worse losing the job than probably when you were previously unemployed (although you're arguably better off, because at least you were working over that time). I agree it's hard and hopeless for both groups, and I think it's only going to get worse. Comparing hopelessness I don't think really provides much insight though, but what that hopelessness might cause people to do. (increased drug use, suicide, etc.) What my point was is that that hopelessness isn't going to help them retrain and it might actively keep people from seeking it. I think we're missing out on a whole mental health component.