Unemployment and having a job or career are two extremes. With a few exceptions, most people prefer to remain active participants of the labour market. The aid in entering the labour market for the unemployed requires not only an analysis of economic situation and the possibilities of employment, but also careful observation of the behaviour of the unemployed, their attitude towards work, their professional potential and mechanisms of psychological functioning.

Employees have to face up to higher and higher expectations from the changing labour market. Apart from the knowledge and professional competences, it is essential to have a set of abilities and certain extra-professional features. Work experience and its influence on current and future position are key advantages of people in late adulthood. Another very important factor is flexibility of the 50+ and their ability to adjust to changes, acquire new qualifications or retrain entirely. All these aspects influence the possibility of employment and chances of professional success.

Work in various periods of life changes its value in accordance to personal development and family situation. Professional progress is integrated with biological and psychological development. For people over 50 work has a special significance because it allows them to stay active and compete with younger employees.

Extending unemployment has negative impact on the unemployed, regardless of their age. The dimensions and consequences of unemployment are shaped by a number of factors, the most important of which is the socio-economic situation.