Man Down or Man Up? What’s a Husband To Do When Jobs Aren’t Coming Through!

Ever been told “ Due to downsizing we are going to need to let you go”, or “The company is going in a new direction and your services are no longer needed”? Your heart races and you wonder what next. How am I going to tell my wife and family? How are we going to pay the bills? No man wants to be without income for his family or himself. As men we are created to produce and find our worth in what we do. It is the core of how we define ourselves to others.  Let’s not even go down the path of how our wives will look at us. Will she be supportive; will this be the demise of the relationship? We have a moment of reflection but this is real life and what we do next is crucial. The following is a guide to help the husband of today start down a path to gain control.

Step 1:

File for unemployment immediately. It may take up to 30-45 days before you see your first payment. The sooner you file the better. Even if the company states that there may be opportunity elsewhere don’t take a chance in letting your funds dwindle while the opportunity may or may not come through.

Step 2:

Sit down with your wife and family. Let them know that things may have to change temporarily while you actively look for work. Reassure your wife that things will be fine. Everyday you should give your wife an update of what you are doing. A woman needs to feel safe and secure and your accountability of the day’s events helps her feel positive about the future. Even if you think this is overboard, trust me, she wants to know. No information is to small, just keep her in the loop.

Step 3:

Find a local network of people who do what you do. Check with friends, volunteer in the community, reach out to church members, call the chamber of commerce, even browse technical college job boards. If you find that you need to brush up on skills or acquire new ones now is the time to do it. Programs are in place to earn while you learn for fields where there is a shortage of skilled workers. Let your neighbors know that you are looking for work and don’t be afraid to go full force with a business you have put to the side and pursue it for income opportunity. Put your resume in the hands and in-boxes of hungry recruiters that will find you work. Don’t forget about the social sites of Twitter, Facebook, Meet-up, or Linked In. These sites allow for networking and meeting people in your field of interest.

Indeed, finding work becomes a full time job itself. But man the opportunities to reinvent your self are limitless. Get out there, make things happen and stay focused. Months of intense leads will result in getting your foot in the door of a new place. It is worth getting up early and beating the pavement to find your new place in society. Your wife and family will thank you for it and your friends will see that if you did it they can too.