Certainly, there are benefits that result from unemployment too. If the unemployment is frictional, meaning voluntary, then the time away from work allows the individual to search for a better job. In the longer run, and once employed again, the worker will (hopefully) be happier and more productive, meaning everyone benefits.
If unemployment is involuntary and structural, there are still some benefits. An active job search forces an individual to become better trained, to work on their resume and job search skills, get better at networking, etc., allowing them to become more effective overall.
Does the above also apply to involuntary and cyclical unemployment, i.e., the type of unemployment that rises during a recession? Perhaps or perhaps not. One thing is certain ... there will always be individuals that favor the "tough-love" approach and who will argue that what doesn't kill you will indeed make you stronger.
