Is Your Job Lay-Off Stressing Your Marriage?
I heard a startling statistic on Headline News this morning. Did you know that men make up 80% of the people being laid off in our country this year? When someone loses a job, they lose a part of how they perceive themselves. Men especially define themselves by what they do. All of these factors put a strain on a marriage. Marriage counseling can help couples stay on the same page and face all that life throws them–together as a united front.
Couples are facing mounting debt, job loss, and in many cases, housing foreclosures–and these aren’t the only stressors. Many people–men and women are also having to face an identity crisis.
Jason and Sharon share about their experience:
My husband, Jason lost his job April 2008. It’s been an entire year, and I’ve managed to work most of that time, but i t’s been tough. I’ve had a range of emotions–from trying to protect his feelings, encourage him, get frustrated when I didn’t think he was looking hard enough for a job, to irritation when he isn’t helping enough around the house. I’m constantly on the phone trying to work out a way for us to keep our house and the electricity on. We’re both on anti-depressants, and we’re trying not to tear each other apart–but this has been one tough year.
Jason shares his experience:
Sharon has been very understanding, I have to give her that. But I don’t think she has any idea how it affects a man to lose his job. Here I am, almost 50 and having to completely start over. I don’t think that the housing industry (which was the field I was in) is going to come back any time soon. We argue about stupid stuff, and I’m sure we’re just stressed out and taking it out on each other. Most of the time I just feel helpless–and angry. We don’t deserve to be in this situation. What I fear the most is that she’ll just give up on me.
Marriage counseling can help couples like Jason and Sharon air their grievances in a neutral environment. Each of them are doing their best to keep their family going–and yet we all need help at times. Be sure to speak to your clergy, or check with your local state/county resources. Many areas are now recognizing the strain the economical climate is placing on couples–and counselors are willing to help. Many counselors accept payment on a sliding scale basis and are sensitive to couple’s situations. Don’t let your marriage be a casualty. Invest some time and effort on your marriage so that you can celebrate all the good times that are ahead.
Related Posts
- Marriage Counseling – When the Small Things Get in the Way
- Identifying Underlying Fears Beneath the Conflict
