Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
With the pandemic shutting down much of the economy, today nearly 1 in 4 Americans have found themselves out of work. That means everyone has seen someone lose a job through this crisis. If your partner suddenly finds themselves without work, that can be stressful for both of you, especially if you’re relying on their income. Just remember, as stressful as it is for you — it’s much more stressful for them. They’re probably feeling burdened, guilty, and blaming themselves for something that, in our current situation, is likely not their fault at all.
This situation is tough and can be very demoralizing. Our first job as a companion is just to acknowledge how hard this is for them. Sit with them, hold them, let them know none of this is fair. Just be there for them, a shoulder to cry on, someone to say “yeah!” when they process their frustrations about their old company, or when they say they’ll find somewhere better. You may still be married or dating this person, but oddly enough they’ve just gone through a serious breakup, and you’re here to help them get back out there, heal through it, and find a new job.
Reassure them that you’re with them, that you support them no matter what. They need that from you; so often our jobs can make up a core part of our identity, and losing one can feel like losing a piece of ourselves. Part of what you can do as a partner is remind them that they are more than their work, that you love them for who they are, and that you can work together to find new opportunities. You’re a team in this; help them remember that.
Just remember they are grieving a loss; have patience with them while they heal, and encouragement for them as they grow and move on.
