| No surprise here: The economy sucks, and this past year has been pretty much a nightmare. What you should do is encourage your wife to keep applying for jobs, even if she's not having much luck. Remind her that the market is very competitive right now, since so many people are gunning for so few openings, and also point out all of her positive characteristics so she feels confident going into interviews. Like role-playing in the bedroom? Well, it's not quite as sexy, but put on a suit and play "interviewer" so she can practice. Make her feel like you're on the same team (because you are -- in life) and support her. It's really all you can do, unless you've got a plan to fix the markets. | Here's my take: Support her emotionally, but also do your best to support her financially -- at least for now. That means no making a fuss if she goes out and buys, say, a new blazer for an interview or something else she needs in order to look and feel the part of "qualified candidate." You might even encourage her to look at some self-employment opportunities (tons of people are doing it!). Also, don't let career talk dominate every conversation -- take her out to dinner or have a date night at home that includes zero talk of anything financial or job-related. |
Okay, so what do you think? Have you been faced with this situation? How did you handle it?
-- The Nest Editors
Dec 04, 2009
See More: Ask a Guy , Couple Issues , Love & Sex , Money