Job Loss

Although different work attitudes and ambitions can sometimes have the effect of gradually causing couples to drift apart, a sudden job loss usually adds an intense and significant strain on any relationship.

Losing your job is one of the most stressful things that can happen in your life. You have lost your main source of income, your daily relationships, structure and sense of purpose. Some people choose to ignore how they feel and then become more stressed as their feelings of anger, shock, depression or frustration begin to overwhelm them.

If you have always been the main breadwinner you may feel you have lost your role in the family. A lack in confidence may make you defensive and oversensitive, argue more or feel your partner is not supportive enough or doesn't understand what you are going through. If one partner continues to have a happy and fulfilling career the other may react badly to any discussions related to work.

Getting through job loss has to be a team effort as it will affect your relationship and wider family. You may have to deal with the financial impact of job loss including reassessing your finances and living on a budget. It is vital that both partners are working together to keep the partnership financially afloat.

Job loss doesn't have to mean the end of a relationship and there are ways through this traumatic event. If you want comprehensive advice on redundancy, termination and job loss try the Armchair Advice Job Loss site.