Taking a full-time job after a period of being out of work may require a complete mental and psychological adjustment. Many workers are unprepared to deal with the emotions that arise.

Sometimes the adjustment is as simple as getting used to an 8-hour workday in an office. But for others, the pressure to perform under conditions of self-doubt, or the fear that the job might not last, can be too much. They pepper their manager with questions like, "Am I doing a good job?" and "Am I on the right track?"

Getting hired doesn't necessarily mean one's self-esteem will automatically rebound, either. The process of applying for jobs and getting turned down can be humiliating. Support groups can help resolve some of these issues.