Great Education + Terrible Job = Mad Wife?

Question

My wife is a little upset about me taking a job in customer service. I have a bachelors degree in management and like 5 years experience in the military. Recently I got out of the military and I honestly thought I would find a job that paid more, but I haven't. Instead I took a job as a customer service rep, with a fast track program to management. In theory I dont plan to work at this place for more then 1 month. After that time I am going to move south. So how do I talk to my wife about this? She thinks I should not work unless I am paid well. I think that too, but in order to leave I have to bite the bullet and take a job I dont really want for the fast cash. What would you tell your significant other in a situation like this? Keep in mind in the past I used to be really rude and say i would never take a job like that. I guess I was ignorant because times are looking like that for me.

Answer 1

Take hold of this situation. Who is responsible for this marriage in the eyes of the Lord? You are Mr.Man. Remind your wife of her wedding vow...."for richer or poorer" And be silent. If she insists on demeaning you, remind her that you came home for peace and solace, and if you wanted more complaining, you'd have stayed at work. Seriously, if you keep letting her treat you like this, she will continue to worsen.

Answer 2

Obviously this is not your dream job - but you're doing what you have to do to pay the bills, what you need to do to support your family. Your wife should appreciate that instead of belittling your efforts. Better to be out there earning something than sitting at home earning nothing. We all have to do things at some point that we feel (or felt) are beneath us in order to get by. My husband was laid off due to downsizing, collected unemployment for a bit, and then found a job. He took a pay cut, but we needed the paycheck. I respected him for going out and doing what needed to be done, and let him know that I appreciated him looking at the long term financial picture instead of turning down what turned out to be a smart career move, just because the starting pay wasn't good enough for him.
Most likely she's just scared - of the financial future, of whether or not you're miserable in this job, of what's going to happen next - I know I was when it happened to us, and I probably nagged a little more than I should have initially, I didn't know how else to show my fear. I truly hope that's what it is in your case... because if a small paycheck really bothers her that much, she's extremely materialistic, and not exactly the supportive wife you need.

Answer 3

Does your wife work? Its easy to speculate about what you would or would not do for money when you're either young, still in school or not employed. There is no shame in honest work...and doors open. If you can keep the electric on, then do without the cable and dinners out, so that you can focus on your plan to move....play the scenario another way...if you had a great paying sukky job wouldn't it make the move even more of a debate? Keeping it simple right now is a great move...you need the energy and focus to plan your move and look for the next job.... You said "I am going to move"...isn't she moving too? Her problem may be that the entire post is about "I"....not "we" mentioned in there once....just a thought....

Answer 4

That's nice of your wife to think so highly of you, but I'm sorry, she shouldn't be complaining about your job. You do deserve better, but adjusting to civilian life after the military is difficult, and this bad job won't last long. She needs to be more supportive of you, and I'm sure you don't have the greatest self esteem about your job since your wife keeps putting it down. I'm sorry. She has no reason to be mad, disappointed knowing that you can do better, but not mad. Sit her down and tell her how you're feeling. If she refuses to get over it, then there may be some underlying issues, and not just with your job.
Good luck!

Answer 5

A bachelor's in management would qualify you for a management job in customer service. I assume you've had trouble finding a job because of the area you're in, since you're going to move.

Have you told her that?

Also, might I recommend a civil service job? It's great pay, and you'd just have to take a test.

Answer 6

Ask her if she wants to keep eating and living inside under a roof.If she says yes then the subject should be closed. It may not be the glamorous job you want but it's an honest living and that's worth something.Everyone will go through a time in their life when jobs aren't as attractive as you would like for them to be but you have to take whatever you can get to make ends meet.Think of it as a stepping stone to a better career.

Answer 7

First of all the south does not generally pay as well as the northern states. See a professional resume maker i think your military may be a plus and just stay positive if your wife keeps complaining, maybe she can do better good luck!

Answer 8

Listen up bro, you are the one who has to suck it up and take a job that you feel is beneath your qualifications. That alone is hard enough without getting flack from your wife. You are making a sacrifice out of your better judgement and it is also negatively hitting your ego. She needs to support your decision!

You need to explain to your wife that you are taking this job just to have some fast $$'s coming in while you are continuing to look for a better position down south. One that better suits your qualifications. Your time job hunting would be better spent searching for positions down south.

Explain to her it would be stupid for you to spend alot of time searching for a better position right now in the place you are living in right now. Let her know that finding a premium job takes alot of time and effort.

Someone also answered employers are more apt to hire someone who has a current position. That is very true...employers do not like to see 'breaks' in a resume.

Answer 9

Yes, you should talk to your wife about your plans. You are right in getting a job now then to wait for a job that will never come. Anyways as the global economy is picking up, I hope you are able to find your dream job. Good luck.

Answer 10

Sounds like your wife may be not understanding the working world out there. One needs to become established...get their foot in the door....prove oneself, before the big bucks roll in. If she understood that a little better, perhaps she'd be more accepting.
Let her know (nicely) that Rome was not built in a day. That's why there IS something to be said for experience & maturity.
Good luck!