I think the situation you experienced was more one of social conditioning and societal expectations. We've had it drilled into our heads from childhood that sc

I think the situation you experienced was more one of social conditioning and societal expectations. We've had it drilled into our heads from childhood that schooling and adolescence is about preparing us for jobs, and if we don't get a good job, we're worthless and pathetic. There's no actual reason for us to feel that way. It's just a way to ensure that nearly everyone participates in the economy and keeps it humming along. But sure, when you are out of work, actively looking for it, and keep getting rejected, finances dwindling, of course that's going to have a negative effect on your mental health. But the key things about that have nothing to do with work, specifically: it's "constant rejection" and "approaching homelessness".