Let's face it: People are losing jobs faster than you can say "stimulus package." In fact, 40 percent of TheNest.com users worry that their spouse will be laid off. Whether your better half recently got sacked or is just worrying about the possibility, stress over unemployment can take its toll on your relationship. Luckily, there are five things you can do to help your partner (and yourself) cope with this sudden change of events.
Deal with defeat. Anger, depression, and "WTH-just-happened!?" disbelief are all normal feelings to have after getting the boot, but don't let your spouse burn bridges with key contacts or shut down emotionally. Layoffs happen to everyone — including the best employees — so encourage them to reach out to their employer for a recommendation and stay in touch with former colleagues.
Give an ego injection. Your spouse's confidence is shakier than tapioca right now, so become their biggest cheerleader — even if they don't seem receptive at the moment. Reminders of past work glories (promotions, bonuses, pats on the back) along with general praise (like how friggin' smart and charismatic they are) will help them regain that mojo and get them ready for the job hunt.
Help them stay busy. Job interviews and offers won't appear overnight, and staring at the computer all day won't speed up the job search process. Help your spouse make a list of projects to do around the house or errands to run so they have a sense of accomplishment each day and CPS (couch-potato syndrome) doesn't set in. Create a long-term plan together if the job search takes longer than expected.
Keep your lips zipped. You may be just as upset about the situation as your spouse is, but resist the urge to blab your woe-is-us story to all your friends and extended family. Sure, it feels good to vent, but losing a job can be a humbling experience and your spouse may prefer to deal with it privately than have the whole world get updates on their emotional state or interview agenda.
Look at the bright side. A layoff is a tough pill to swallow at first, but it can have its surprising perks. Not so sure? Spending more time with family and friends and less time commuting and setting the alarm can be liberating for someone who's been clocking a 9-to-5 job for years straight. It also gives your partner a free pass to shift gears to a field they've always been curious about, so encourage them to explore.
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