ABSTRACT
This chapter describes precisely the sorts of changes to the centrality of the work identity. Job loss is the central status passage that influences a person's self-evaluations. Complex job loss narratives describe a second major status passage that occurs concurrently with the job loss. Complex romances describe job loss as a positive transition, at least initially. Romantic job loss narratives all began by describing their last job as oppressive or unpleasant. Complex tragedies describe the events of the job loss as adding to the distress the person was already experiencing as a consequence of the complicating passage. In both cases being without work reinforced the sense of isolation and worthlessness already present as a consequence of the tragic complicating passage. The chapter argues that the relationship of the work identity to other aspects of a person's life must be taken into account in any attempt to explain the variable consequences of unemployment.
