I'm really not trying to start an argument here, because there are many disadvantages that are hard/impossible to hurdle. However, being unemployed comes with

I'm really not trying to start an argument here, because there are many disadvantages that are hard/impossible to hurdle. However, being unemployed comes with a single, potentially powerful advantage: time. As a programmer, you need a computer (cheap second hand one is fine), you need a place to work and you need and internet connection. If you are unemployed for more than about 6 months, people start to look at you suspiciously, but after that you can't really fall any further. Being unemployed for 1 year or 2 years can be an advantage if you use that time productively. It won't appeal to everyone, but battling back from nothing is also a compelling story. Like I said, there will be many people who can not do it, for one reason or another, but I think the message that brand is important is not wrong.