Unemployment and Self-Compassion

Indonesia's labor market is facing a mass layoff crisis. The number of unemployed residents in August 2024 is estimated to reach 7,465,599 (Badan Pusat Statistik Indonesia, 2025). Moreover, the 20-24 year old age group accounts for the highest number of unemployed individuals compared to other age groups, at 2,497,979 people. This number is very concerning, considering that Generation Z is a potential successor to the nation and a key driver of the national economy.

Not only does it harm the economy, but unemployment also negatively impacts mental health. The stress of struggling to find a job often leads to feelings of uselessness, worthlessness, and a sense of futility. Research reveals that unemployment is associated with increased feelings of loneliness (Morrish & Medina-Lara, 2021), suicide risk (Amiri, 2022), anxiety in men and hopelessness in women (Yalçın, 2022). So, what steps can be taken to reduce the negative impact of unemployment so that the spirit is maintained?

Neff (2003) introduced the concept of self-compassion, which is characterized by an attitude of remaining loving, supportive, and non-blaming towards oneself, especially during difficult times. Self-compassion is essential in increasing gratitude (El Keshky, 2024), feelings of life satisfaction (Maftei & Lãzãrescu, 2022); on the contrary, self-compassion can lower stress levels (Huriyah et al., 2022), anxiety (Prameswari et al., 2023), feelings of dissatisfaction with the body (Cadena et al., 2024), and reduce levels of emotional fatigue (Hashem & Zeinoun, 2020).

Getting to Know the Elements of Self-Compassion

According to Neff (2003), self-compassion comprises three pairs of interrelated elements that help us cope with life's problems and our shortcomings. The three pairs of elements: (a) mindfulness vs. over-identification, (b) common humanity vs. isolation, and (c) self-kindness vs. self-judgment. The three pairs of self-compassion elements (Neff, 2003) can be described as follows.

Mindfulness vs. Over-Identification. Mindfulness refers to being fully aware of the situation, without lingering on excessive anxiety. Through mindfulness, we can approach problems more calmly and objectively. About the condition of not being accepted to work in a company, we need not to be accepted to work in a company, we need not to linger in problems, direct attention to the activities we are doing, dissolve in the activities we are doing; for example, watching a movie about increasing knowledge of the job we are interested in; doing sports; read books. The opposite of the state of mindfulness is over-identification, which is when we overthink; We get caught up in excessive thoughts and/or feelings. Over-identification does not solve the problem of difficulty in getting a job; instead, it has the potential to make us unable to focus on the essential things that we need to work on, anticipate, or prepare ourselves for in the future. 

Common Humanity vs. Isolation. Common humanity refers to the view that we are not the only ones who experience adverse events; we do not experience them alone. Many people also share a similar fate, and all human beings have faced difficulties. Problems are an inherent part of life. When it comes to not being accepted for a job, we need to view that failure is an experience many people encounter, and that rejection is not the end of a career journey. A view of common humanity will help us reduce feelings of distress. On the other hand, isolation is the perception or belief that an individual thinks they are the only one affected by problems, which can cause feelings of loneliness or isolation. 

Self-kindness vs. Self-judgment. When we are experiencing problems or in a state of depression, we need self-kindness and to avoid self-judgment. Self-kindness refers to the kindness one shows to oneself, encompassing loving and accepting one's shortcomings, refraining from blaming one's condition, and respecting oneself as one is. On the other hand, self-judgment is a condition when we regret, judge, and criticize ourselves excessively when we are facing difficulties; In this case, when we have not been accepted to work in a company/agency that we are interested in, we blame ourselves, regret the decisions made, and degrade our abilities to the point of causing feelings of worthlessness.

Misconceptions about Self-Compassion 

Based on the description above, some parts of self-compassion can be misinterpreted. For example, individuals who practice self-compassion tend to focus on their interests rather than those of others (Neff, 2003) and are less likely to experience self-pity (Goldstein & Kornfield, 1987). However, self-compassion is a method or approach that individuals can use, especially when experiencing difficulties. Individuals who practice self-compassion, when facing problems, need to acknowledge the challenges, shortcomings, or failures inherent in the experience or problems they encounter. In principle, through self-compassion, individuals feel worthy or acceptable when facing problems (Neff, 2003).