Major Reasons for Unemployment in Individual Capacity – How You Are Responsible for Your Own Employment

By Dilip Sharma, Founder – ShaleenJobs

Introduction

Employment is not just a source of income. It is dignity, self-respect, family security, and a fundamental driver of social and national progress. A man or woman with employment contributes not only to their household but also to the economy and the well-being of society. Employment provides stability, lifestyle, and recognition.

Unemployment, however, is not simply the absence of a job. It is a state that affects mental health, financial security, and even family harmony. In today’s changing world, while international crises, economic cycles, and technology disruptions play a role, the largest factor behind unemployment often lies within an individual’s own capacity and choices.

In my 25+ years of recruitment and career consulting with ShaleenJobs, I have reviewed over 1 million resumes, interviewed more than 100,000 candidates, and worked on jobs for over 10,000 companies across India and abroad. This experience allows me to confidently highlight why unemployment happens and, more importantly, how it can be avoided through individual improvement.

What is Employment?

Employment means much more than just holding a job. True employment is:

• Continuous work spanning a full career (from youth until early old age).
• A reliable source of earning that supports self and family.
• Work that matches skills, education, and interests.
• Growth opportunities that enhance dignity and social standing.
• Contribution to the nation’s economy through productivity.

Employment is therefore the pillar of social respect, lifestyle, and long-term contribution.

What is Unemployment?

Unemployment is often misunderstood. It is not only about being without work. A more accurate definition includes:

• Joblessness: No active employment at all.
• Underemployment: Working in roles far below one’s skills or education.
• Mismatch employment: Having a job that does not align with one’s training, interests, or potential.
• Low-quality employment: Work that does not provide financial sufficiency, security, or dignity.
• Inconsistent employment: Gaps, instability, or lack of continuity in career.

In this broader sense, unemployment includes anyone who is not able to achieve meaningful, stable, and dignified work that sustains a full career span of 40–50 years. This is what we call hidden unemployment.

External Causes of Unemployment

There are undeniable outside factors:

• International trends: Global recessions, outsourcing, automation, AI.
• National issues: Economic policy, taxation, and industry shifts.
• Social barriers: Discrimination, gender inequality, or community bias.
• Geographical limitations: Lack of jobs in rural or remote areas.
• Technological changes: Robotics, AI, and digitization replacing old job roles.
• Competitive job markets: Too many candidates for limited opportunities.
• Unexpected events: Pandemics, wars, or natural disasters.

Yet, despite these, many individuals continue to thrive. This proves that while external conditions are real, individual preparedness and adaptability matter more.

Individual Reasons for Unemployment

This section is critical. These are the reasons that lie within your control, and therefore, they determine your employability more than any external factor.

1. Lack of Self-Commitment

Many say they want jobs but lack true willingness to take responsibility. Real employment demands dedication, discipline, and ownership. Without self-commitment, a person is unable to meet even basic expectations.

2. Weak Skills

Skills are the foundation of employability. They are developed through education, training, and continuous learning. Today, industries change rapidly; those who stop learning become obsolete. Individuals who do not invest in upgrading their technical and soft skills fall behind.

3. Lack of Accountability

Accountability means being responsible for the result, not just the task. Too many employees focus on clocking hours rather than delivering outcomes. Companies cannot retain workers who avoid ownership, as such behavior leads to inefficiency and even losses.

4. Inconsistency

Employers want reliability. Many people work hard only under supervision but lose productivity when left alone. True professionals show consistent effort and discipline, regardless of monitoring.

5. Poor Self-Work Habits

A person who cannot work independently, meet deadlines, or show initiative is at constant risk of unemployment. Over 90% of employees, in my observation, do not work sincerely without supervision. This is one of the biggest reasons for job loss.

6. Failure to Invest in Self

The world changes every year. Technologies evolve, industries transform. If you don’t learn, you fall behind. The most employable individuals are those who constantly invest in upgrading themselves—through certifications, self-study, or mentorship.

7. Lack of Consistency in Growth

Employment is not static. Markets demand adaptability. Those who stop evolving after landing a job eventually face stagnation. Employers seek people who are consistent in learning, performance, and adaptability.

8. Low Self-Discipline

Unemployment often comes from poor habits: lateness, procrastination, or lack of professionalism. Employers value discipline above all, because disciplined employees make teams and businesses stronger.

9. Resistance to Change

Many employees fear change. They resist new technology, new work methods, or new environments. But today’s job market rewards flexibility. Adaptability is no longer optional; it is mandatory.

10. Lack of Networking and Visibility

In the modern job market, opportunities often come through networks, not just applications. Individuals who fail to build professional relationships and personal branding lose access to better roles.

Employment & Unemployment Trends (2024)

• India’s unemployment rate: ~7–8% (CMIE, 2024).
• Global unemployment: ~5.3% (ILO, ~200 million people jobless).
• AI & automation: 85 million jobs displaced, 97 million new roles created (World Economic Forum).
• The real problem: not the absence of jobs, but the skills mismatch and lack of adaptability.

Why Employment Matters

• Financial independence and family security.
• Personal dignity and social recognition.
• Contribution to GDP and national progress.
• Consistency in lifestyle and mental well-being.
• Building long-term stability for retirement and legacy.

How ShaleenJobs Helps

At ShaleenJobs, we tackle unemployment by focusing on individual development:

Career Mentorship

Personal guidance to:

• Benchmark salaries and designations.
• Identify and close skill gaps.
• Create long-term career strategies.
  👉 Career Mentorship Program

Professional Resume Writing

We prepare ATS-friendly resumes tailored for industries.
👉 Resume Writing SOP

Paid Internship Programs

Hands-on industry exposure to make candidates work-ready.
👉 Internship Program

Self-Assessment Tools

Scientific career evaluation to understand strengths, weaknesses, and potential roles.
👉 Self-Assessment Guide

Interview Coaching & Job Guidance

Support from application to interview preparation and salary negotiation.
👉 Importance of a Career Mentor

Early Retirement & Mid-Career Guidance

Helping professionals over 40 remain employable and competitive.
👉 Early Retirement Support

Conclusion

Unemployment is not just a result of economic downturns or government policy. In most cases, it is shaped by individual choices: lack of self-commitment, weak skills, poor accountability, inconsistency, and resistance to change. These are within your control.

The good news is that with the right mentorship, continuous learning, and accountability, unemployment can be avoided. At ShaleenJobs, we empower individuals to take charge of their careers and build consistent, long-term success.

📱 WhatsApp: 9982207590 / 9982207594
📧 Email: info@shaleenjobs.com
🌐 www.shaleenjobs.com | www.shaleenjobs.in

External Resources & Partnerships

Expand your career insights with:

• ExpertGraph.com – Global networking and career insights.
• ExpertGraph.in – India-focused mentorship and professional growth resources.

ShaleenJobs – Building Careers, Creating Leaders, Securing Futures.