Inactivity: A phenomenological study of jobless college graduates

Abstract

The study investigated the reason behind joblessness among college graduates. To provide ample data, four participants consented to participate in the study. Participants were two males and two females. Two participants came from affluent families and two from poor families. For detailed responses, the interview schedule included four topics: (1) infantilization, (2) concept of work, (3) social comparison, and (4) subjective well-being. The interview schedule consisted of open-ended questions and possible probing questions. The responses of the participants were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results show that joblessness of the participants was due to circumstances that prevented them from having stable jobs and which they did not overcome. Evidence of being infantilized was apparent in only one participant. Participants understand the value of hard work, but have different priorities in life. Results show all participants feel inferior when compared to their employed counterparts. AU four participants are not satisfied with their lives, and are aware that a lack of a work domain in their lives contributed to this. Two participants choose to ignore unpleasant feelings about their current situation so they can enjoy their lives more.