Employed
Characteristics
over the age of 16
have a job they are paid to do
Examples
worker at a local ice cream shop
night manager at a convenience store
server at a high-end restaurant
manager at a sporting goods store
Unemployed
Characteristics
Over the age of 16 AND
not in the military or institutionalized (prison, etc.)
willing and able to work
don't have a job
looking for a job
Examples
lost job at a window factory to a decrease in home construction - you are looking for a new job
just graduated college, sending out resumes and applications to start a new career
disagreed with your boss, so you quit and are looking for a new job
took time off to care your family, you are now looking for a job
Non-examples
lost your job due to downsizing, decide to go back to college and train for a career change
lost your job, but your spouse can support your family so you decide to be a stay-at-home parent
lost your job, but you are enjoying having extra time, so you are not applying for a new job
Calculating Unemployment
Number unemployed/labor force = unemployment