Why people leave the work force:
( in my family and friends)
1.Lost job in 2007, out of work 18 months, not hired because of “lost skills”. Took part time jobs, now retired.
2. Lost job in 2008, ran out unemployment insurance,found out doing with a little less could make it on one salary.
3. Went on SSI disability, subsidized housing.
4. Making more on government handouts than would at part time job.
These are some of the personal reasons my family, and friends are not in the workforce.
6 in all.
The few people I have known to get laid off in this economy either changed careers or were at an age to retire or close enough to coast into it. If they were of working age and did not change, they are still unemployed, relying on their spouse.