While some people may see a job loss as a challenge which opens up new opportunities, most associate job loss with strong negative emotions.
Unemployment can often lead to a loss of self-esteem.
Being employed brings respect in the community and in the family. When a job is lost, part of your sense of self may be lost as well. The loss may be worse when your social life has been strongly linked to the job. Old friends and colleagues often don't call because they feel awkward or don't know what to say. Many don't want to be reminded of what could happen to them.