My husband hates his job - what can I do?

Question

My husband - the most amazing, generous, kind, hardworking man HATES his job. He just took a week off and he's dreading going back to work. I hate to see him like this. How can I support him during this time?!

Kathie Thomison · Answer

I know how hard this can be. My husband went through something similar a few years ago. Can you be more specific? Why does he hate it? How long has he been at this employer?

Gillian Armstrong · Answer

This is me, but reversed, and I feel like such a burden on my husband because I am miserable at my job. I have been searching for a long time, but haven't found anything 'better' (pay/benefits, mostly). It's awful feeling like you're wasting away your life in something you can't stand. But it takes A LOT of effort to get out, for most of us. In the meantime, my wonderfully caring husband has reminded me of things we are looking forward to, encouraged me into activities that make me happy (dancing), and I've started a 6-hr-a-week job doing what I DO love (on top of working FT). Just working those few hours in something I enjoy, even though it makes for a couple longer days each, gives me hope and confidence, and being around different/new people helps with the monotony of my day job.

Lady Pele · Answer

My goddaughter had this same problem recently.  I'm the family's 'find all answers on the web' go-to, so she asked me to see if I could find something with specific steps to help her.  I found this good article (with two actual case studies) that offered practical actions for helping one's spouse cope with stress at work.  I hope it helps.

https://hbr.org/2018/08/how-to-help-your-spouse-cope-with-work-stress

Anonymous · Answer

What is keeping him at this job? I would encourage him to start looking elsewhere, and support him and help where you can. Staying in a job you hate can be detrimental to your overall health and can even effect relationships so it sounds like it's time for him to move on if possible!

Anonymous · Answer

When i saw this post I thought 'Wow, I have the exact same problem!' I adore him and he works so hard, but he's miserable. I try to boost him up and keep his confidence high, but it's a struggle. Sometimes it's so hard to deal with his negativity and I wonder if he'll ever find a job that he will like. I'm definitely interested in any advice offered here. Following.

Tatiana · Answer

Can you support him if he decides to quit and job search?

My husband hates his job - what can I do?

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