There is another reason that many folks are willing to remain unemployed, whether or not they can afford unemployment and it is a reason has probably not been studied. This reason is fear. Not fear of working, not fear of doing a job, but fear of abuse and abusers, whether the abusers are bosses, co-workers, or customers. Society has changed. There are still good people with whom to work. Yet there are more crazies, bullies and abusers out there than there used to be and many of these might be your boss, co-worker or customers. It’s exhausting. Politeness has been replaced with irrational anger and abuse. -—— Just a thought.
Bosses, co-workers, and even customers regularly attack the values of sane and conscientious employees who are attacked even worse if they call it out.