Which type of unemployment best describes a worker transitioning between jobs?

Frictional unemployment captures the scenario of workers transitioning between jobs or entering the workforce for the first time. This type of unemployment occurs when individuals are temporarily without work while they search for a position that better matches their skills or preferences. It is a natural part of the job market, reflecting the time taken for people to find new employment after voluntary or involuntary separations.

When workers leave one job to look for another, they may experience a period of unemployment that is typically short-lived. This is considered frictional because it is related to personal choices and the dynamics of the job market rather than a deficiency in jobs available overall.

In contrast, other types of unemployment don't align with this scenario. Cyclical unemployment arises from economic downturns, where overall demand decreases, leading to job losses. Structural unemployment occurs when there is a mismatch between the skills workers possess and the skills needed for available jobs, often due to technological change or shifts in the economy. Seasonal unemployment occurs during certain times of the year when jobs are not available, like in agriculture or tourism. Therefore, frictional unemployment is the most appropriate characterization of a worker transitioning between jobs.