DH was laid off.

[Happy Mom2]

DH was laid off two weeks ago. We knew it was coming, and he was ok at first. Seems like this week he realized there just aren't any jobs out there, and it is taking a toll on him. He is getting very depressed. I just don't know what to do for him. He is looking for a job and staying busy doing projects around the house.

He doesn't want to talk. Then again, DH has never been much of a talker. He has been going to bed at 9pm every night. He never goes to bed before 10:30, even when he was working 50 hours a week. I know being laid off is difficult. I've been there... twice. But I am sure it is especially difficult for a man who is used to providing for his family. DH is a wonderful husband, and an amazing father. I just want to make it better for him, and I don't know what to do.

The kids on the other hand are loving it. They are young enough that they don't realize what is going on. When he was working they were still sleeping when DH left for work. Now he fixes them a homemade breakfast every morning, takes them to daycare, picks them up early, etc.

Thanks for letting me vent. Please say a prayer for DH.

 

[mumom95]

Hope something comes available soon.

Just wanted to say your DH sounds like a gem. What he's doing for the kids during this difficult time for him is great. Sounds like a great husband and father.

I would just say let him know you are there for him. Some people aren't talkers and shouldn't be pushed into being ones. But I'm sure he'll get comfort just knowing that you are supportive of him.

Good luck!!

 

[minniecarousel]

Yeah - I think it is harder for guys when they're out of work. But, he will find something eventually. (honestly - 2 weeks is nothing.) After my husband was laid off, he was able to do some contract work for a few months, but then it was several months before he found something - which was rather out of his previous job descriptions.

It's definitely not like it used to be when you were down-sized or laid off. Jobs are much more difficult to come by.

Good luck.....hang in there.

 

[FireDancer]

I hope he finds something soon. Wanting to work and not being able to find any is a terrible feeling which I don't wish on anyone.

 

[charming23]

Prayers that he finds something. It is so hard in this economy at the moment to find anything that I understand his frustration. It is good though that he is doing special things for the kids.

 

[Happy Mom2]

Thank you all for the kind words. I know we will be ok. No matter what happens, we have each other. For that alone, we are blessed.

 

[Robinrs]

I was out of work for almost 3 years, doing only temp and contract work. It was rough but I never gave up, I knew it was coming.

Prayers for your family, I know how hard it is.

 

[HOGFAN]

Prayers and hugs for you. We went thru this last year. Its very hard on everyone. Hope he finds something very soon.

 

[yoopermom]

I went back to work when DS was only 6 weeks old because we needed the insurance. When he was ten, I was laid off, and thought it was "the end of the world". DH (god bless him) said, "Now you can spend that time with him that you've missed", so I've worked p/t since, and I'll never regret it. I can make more $$ in three years when he's grown and gone, but he remembers these years I've spent with him.

I know your DH is going through some hard times, but your kids won't remember that, they'll remember the time he's spending with them now.

Prayers for him to find the right job for him...

Terri

 

[EeyoreEma]

Prayers for your husband and your family. I hope he is able to find something soon.

 

[scbelleatheart]

Not to sound like I know anything but the economy is taking an upturn (no thanks to all the stupid mandates of the current admistration). Our business is booming and we cannot hire enough people.
We have always looked at what we do (55 years) as an economic judge. If we have work, that means the plants are gearing up for major production in the next year. I know a year seems a long way off but the manufacturing plants are do renovations like crazy right now. We really can't find enough welders, millwrights, pipefitters, engineers to meet our work schedule. I realize these are not the jobs people are looking for if you have a college degree but they are the most in demand.
There is work out there and it's coming soon!
(This is not a political post, just a heads up.) Rethink what you can do.

 

[Rosered]

My husband was laid off very unexpectedly 3 weeks ago. I am a stay at home mom. We are now both looking for jobs. I know how you feel.

 

[ChristmasElf]

Happy Mom and Rose Red what do your DH's do for their jobs?

Never know, maybe someone on the boards have a "connection" or at the very least a good head hunter they can put you in touch with.

Best of Luck to anyone looking for employment.

 

[Kathi OD]

Not to sound like I know anything but the economy is taking an upturn (no thanks to all the stupid mandates of the current admistration). Our business is booming and we cannot hire enough people.
We have always looked at what we do (55 years) as an economic judge. If we have work, that means the plants are gearing up for major production in the next year. I know a year seems a long way off but the manufacturing plants are do renovations like crazy right now. We really can't find enough welders, millwrights, pipefitters, engineers to meet our work schedule. I realize these are not the jobs people are looking for if you have a college degree but they are the most in demand.
There is work out there and it's coming soon!
(This is not a political post, just a heads up.) Rethink what you can do.

Not to put a damper on your positive role, because I sure hope you are right, but we've been hearing this same declaration from various people for about 2.5 years now. This is a much different recovery from past ones. I wouldn't base anything on how things used to be.

That said, I sure hope the OP's DH finds a job soon. My own was out of work for 2 years and toward the end, his depression was almost unbearable.

 

[cabanafrau]

OP, I'm so sorry to hear this & hope your DH will find something soon. We have many, many friends, family & neighbors in this position & it's just so hard. We try to be grateful everyday we're both employed.

scbelleatheart, just dial Michigan. The skilled workers you want are here in abundance, looking high & low for jobs your company has.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I've been in your shoes, OP. Just make sure your DH knows what you told us here. Perhaps slyly let him know that you've noticed the kids are happier and thank him for it.

It is a fine line, because you can't seem condescending because men (well, my husband in particular) picked up on it and knew what I was trying to do. Still, you can't assume they know how you feel about them and that you, as a team, will get through this.

 

[Rosered]

Happy Mom and Rose Red what do your DH's do for their jobs?

Never know, maybe someone on the boards have a "connection" or at the very least a good head hunter they can put you in touch with.

Best of Luck to anyone looking for employment.

I don't want to hijack this thread from the OP and I hope no one gets offended by me answering.

My husband worked 19 years in a law firm in their office services dept. Basically he ordered supplies, set up equipment and offices, stuff of that nature. He has no real marketable skills but is a very hard worker.

Right now he is trying to find some kind of office clerk job or mailroom job.

Thank you ChristmasElf for asking. Hopefully the OP's husband and mine will find something soon.

 

[es45]

OP, my DH lost his job, of more than 21 years, in May. I'm sorry to read that yet another family is going through this. Stay strong and positive.

 

[ccgirl]

OP - I was laid off twice in the past two years. All though I am not a man, I was the insurance holder and made the majority of the money. It is a huge pressure and disappointment when you can't find that job right away when you are used to providing for your family. My DH was incredible. He was so patient as I went thru the process - both times. He did what a PP suggested and reminded me about all the extra time I would have with my kids - time you can never get back. He also reminded me it was just as important to be at home with the kids than at work. I was able to find a job both times. So, there is hope. Some people take being laid off harder than others. It still bothers me. I actually needed a bit of counseling and they described it that losing a job is a loss and affects everyone differently. OP - you many not want to share but will you be okay for a while when DH is out of work? If so, keep reassuring him that you will be find.

Sending good thoughts your way!

 

[VickiVM]

To the OP and anyone else out there looking. I cannot say enough about this non-profit organization - Career Transition. They often hold their seminars in a church or public place setting. Please encourage your husband to seek a group out and get involved. It's something like a 13 week course that covers all sorts of topics that are geared to keeping your head focused and engaged on your "new job" which is finding a job. They help with interview skills, resume writing, networking, etc. They are run by volunteers and it is free. They do ask, though, for a donation to help with the materials they give you.

This is not a pity party group - if the support group is any good, they steer everyone into a positive and can-do state of mind because they know how easily one can slip into negativity.

You do not have to join the group at the beginning of the the course - you can step in anytime.

My husband went through the course (and you can continue going even after completing all of the sessions) and by the end of the first meeting, he was re-jevenated and energized. He did eventually find something and I do believe that this group helped him stay focused and purposeful.