This publication provides insights into how older long-term unemployed individuals experience and cope with their situation, as well as the perspectives they develop beyond employment. The first part presents the theoretical framework necessary for the study, addressing both the prevailing understanding of work and unemployment in our society and specifically focusing on long-term unemployment among those aged 50 and over. The second part consists of an empirical investigation, at the end of which the authors offer a glimpse into potential approaches for social work with unemployed individuals aged 50 and over.