What do you do when your partner is depressed and doesn't like his job?

Question

My partner doesn't like his job. He doesn't like any desk-bound job, yet doesn't have the qualifications nor the money to pursue the job of his dreams. He is often times depressed because of this, and currently seeing a therapist. I try to suggest several solutions here and then, but they don't seem to be favored by him, as each of us brings in about 50% of the total household income. I feel stuck and don't know what else to suggest. I love him and he supports me, emotionally, a lot! I wish I can do something to help him out ... if you are/have been in a similar situation and have some solid advice to offer, then I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you!

Answer 1

Honestly there isn't much more you can do except as you have been. Be there to support him. If it weren't for my wife and her doing the same for me I would have left this lousy job ages ago. Which no doubt would have been a horrible financial mistake. Sometimes just hugging that person and holding on to them works wonders. there were many times when I held her it felt as though all of this lousy and depressed feelings that I had almost were absorbed by her. It made all the difference in the world too.
He also should stick with the therapy as well but it's important first and foremost to have you there when he slips into those moods.
The very best of luck to the both of you. It'll pass....believe me even though it doesn't seem like it.

Answer 2

I remember going through something similar. Not only was it driving him crazy but it was driving me crazy too!, because he was annoyed at his job all of the time. I tried to listen as best I could but learned that I could only give advice around it if he asked, otherwise, he only had another reason why it woulnd't get any better.
Sometimes people get so hung up on the perfect job that they don't see other jobs that are similar or that have to come before that perfect job.
Could he do some interning at his dream job, even if it's just one day a week? Could he take just one class at a time at school that's in that field?
If not, the best thing to do is to make the best of the weekends.
But remember, helping him to feel better isn't only up to you, it's up to him too. Good luck.

Answer 3

Help him work on a plan to eventually get his dream job! Be there for him. Encourage him. This is your life together, do it up! Work on living exactly as you want, right down to the last detail. Nothing is impossible.

If money is a problem, can you live a little cheaper for a while as he gets his education? Can he save up for school over a certain amount of time?

Goal setting and achieving is one of the most rewarding parts of being a couple.

Answer 4

Maybe he just needs to switch to a different company. It may be more than just disliking the type of job...could be the people he works with too. He could also take the money he's using for the therapist and put it towards schools that could help him get his dream job.

Answer 5

If he's decided what he wants to DO with his life, his next step is to go about planning for it. Start at the end. He needs to envision the job he wants then work backward to discover what he needs to do to get to his goal. If he hasn't got the money to go back to school, there are tons of loans/grants/scholarships that you can get through the gov't. I know it's hard, my husband is in a similar situation but just try to be as supportive as possible and encourage him when he needs it but don't baby him. He's lucky to have someone as understanding as you are. Good luck sweetheart!

Answer 6

Tell him this is not the only job in the world, get out there and find another one. Remind him he was looking for a job when he found this one.