After losing a job, it’s important to set a regular sleep schedule, keep yibao (basic medical insurance) active, and plan job searches methodically — don’t just stay at home all day
Compared to employed people, those who lose their jobs face about a 60% higher risk of dying later on; the difference is most pronounced in men and younger adults, and peaks during the first ten years. Studies that accounted for smoking and drinking found a weaker link, but that does not prove changing your habits will erase the risk. Register as unemployed first and claim your unemployment benefits.
There’s no expense involved. First, register as unemployed…
Combined data from 42 studies, 235 mortality risk estimates, and over 20 million people. After adjusting for a…
There’s no expense involved. First, register as unemployed and apply for unemployment benefits; then schedule job searches at set times. The real challenge is waking up on time when no one is there to push you.
Combined data from 42 studies, 235 mortality risk estimates, and over 20 million people. After adjusting for age and other covariates, the mean hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality among the unemployed was 1.63—about a 60% higher risk of death compared to employed individuals. Men faced higher risk than women. The effect was pronounced in early and mid-career, but smaller in late career. Risk was highest during the first 10 years of follow-up and declined thereafter. In the subset of studies that also controlled for health behaviors like smoking and drinking, the average HR was 24% lower than in studies that did not control for them. This reflects a comparison between study subsets, not evidence that the excess mortality risk drops by 24%, nor does it show how much an individual's risk decreases by changing lifestyle habits.
Roelfs DJ, et al. (2011). Losing life and livelihood: a systematic review and meta-analysis of unemployment and all-cause mortality. Social Science & Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.01.005
Open source linkThese are retrospective population studies and cannot establish causality; individuals already in poor health are also more likely to lose their jobs. The 24% lower average HR in studies controlling for lifestyle habits cannot be treated as the effect of an individual changing their behavior. Keeping a set routine, maintaining yibao, and avoiding staying home all day are the author's practical advice, not interventions evaluated separately in the studies. For what unemployment benefits you can claim, where to apply, and how to maintain social insurance, see Section 7. For severance pay and why you should avoid signing voluntary resignations, see Section 19.