Home Is Your Relationship Working Saving your Relationship Common Problems
Ending a Relationship Finding Local Help Starting Again More Answers Forum
Service Finder


 
25 Jul 2008
 
Print Print Page  Email this Page Email Page  Site map Site Map  Other Sites Our other sites 

Home / Common Problems / Job Loss / Job Loss Hints

Job Loss Hints

Losing your job through redundancy or dismissal can dramatically affect your home life. Your relationship with your partner can become difficult, you may argue more or communication breaks down. The person who has lost their job faces a huge personal challenge, a loss of sense of self and definition of their life. It is normal for them to become defensive or oversensitive to discussions about work. They initially may react very badly when you try talk about redundancy or dismissal. Here are some tips to get you through the rough patches:

  • Know your rights. Help each other through the initial stages of redundancy by looking up information on their rights in relation to job loss. Our Job Loss site gives comprehensive advice on redundancy, job loss and termination.
  • Work together. Sit down together and put plans in place. The first should be a financial action plan detailing your budget, any debts and how you are going to deal with them. The second should be a plan for the future in terms of getting back to work.
  • Get talking. It is entirely normal to be withdrawn and uncommunicative and it is important to keep the channels of communication open. Make sure the person who has lost their job knows they can talk about anything and have thier partner's support. Don't undermine the situation by whingeing to friends and family about how hard it is. Look for a career coach or counsellor to assist in the process of getting back to work.
  • If you still have your job, remain positive. Although the situation will be hard for you ensure your partner feels valued and knows they have an important role in the home and your life. If you are struggling to cope then find an outside person to express your problems to but don't be negative about your partner.
  • Perspective helps. Undoubtedly there will have been other hard times in your relationship. You got through those so you can get through this. Job loss isn't the end of the world and can in fact be a great opportunity, suddenly you may have the time to explore new hobbies together or simply spend some much needed time as a couple.

Your role when your partner loses their job is to support, not to fix the problem. Try to keep this in mind when handing out advice or suggestions. If you or your partner is struggling with job loss then you can speak to your local GP, counsellor or find help on the Job Loss forum.