Career self-management of unemployed workers: the role of proactive coping in job-to-job transition

Purpose Job search behavior is an important factor of an individual's career. In this study, proactive individuals' search for career opportunities during the transition from unemployment to employment is investigated. This investigation concentrates on the "in-between jobs" phase to better understand career transition. Proactive coping is a particularly important aspect of the transition from unemployment to work. Design/methodology/approach Using the career self-management model and proactive coping theory, this paper establishes a conceptual model and adopts path analysis to examine the model with a sample of 208 unemployed workers from Poland. Findings The results indicate both direct and indirect effects for proactive coping on job-seeking behavior. Unemployed job seekers, with greater proactive coping, intensify their job search behavior and increase their chances for re-employment. Practical implications Proactive coping is an important factor in career development. The findings of this study are a promising starting point for career self-development training for unemployed workers in transition. Originality/value Most of the training for the unemployed prepares them to react and adapt to ongoing circumstances. Our findings show the importance of being proactive during active coping with unemployment.