What is the problem?
Bf graduated from college two years ago. He had a high paying part time job and also worked freelance. In total he would work 6-8 hrs a day. After graduation he told me that he wanted to rest for a month before looking for a job related to his field. After that he wanted to wait 3 months. Then it was 6 months. Then it was a year. During that time I had 3 jobs and resented him how he had so much free time and was making more money than me (I was working 12-14 hrs a day and also taking care of the house). I was struggling paying my bills and he showed up with a motorcycle one day. Turned out that all that time he was saving money to get his bike, if he had took a starting job on his field he wouldn't have been able to buy it. But then the project we were working was cancelled (we were working together in his part time job) and had money issues for a while. He then got a full time job at the same company, but it is a grave yard shift and he hates it. Im only working freelance with very few clients (I've been looking for a job for months) so he can't look for a job on his field because of the hours he works and also because he doesnt have any experience so his salary wouldnt be enough. He is now regretting his decision of spending a whole year sleeping most of the day and working a few hours a day to buy the bike.
What are your faults?
When he graduated and I noticed that he wasn't going to look for a job I told him in every way I could find that he was going to regret it, that then it was the time to start his career (he was 26), that he was going to struggle later in life. When I got the message that no matter what I said it was not going to make any effect in him I told him that I trusted his decision but to think about it a little more. He recently confessed me that he used to see me as "the enemy" and he thought that all I wanted was to control him and since he saw me as the enemy he did the opposite of what I told him.
Why do you think this problem manifested?
I think he feels insecure about not doing a good job in his field. All his friends started working before they even graduated and now most of them have very good jobs and some are even working overseas. My bf is older than all of them and he feels like a loser (his words).
What steps have you already taken to try and resolve the problem?
I encourage him to take courses related to his field so he could feel more confident. Im also helping him fix his migratory situation so looking for a job isnt as difficult (he is a foreigner in my country and most companies refuse to hire foreigner because the process is a PITA, but since we've been living together for more than 5 years he can get a permit through me). Its been a year since the last time I nagged him or told him that I knew this was going to happen. I take care of all the house work so he doesn't get any extra stress. I also help him with his freelance job.
How long has this been an issue?
Around 9 months since he realized that he wasn't even getting interviews because of his lack of experience. It's been getting worst for the last month.
Are you making a mountain out of a mole-hill?
I don't think so. I'm really worried about his future and I hate that he feels this way about himself.
How's your bedroom life right now? Are you taking care of his needs emotionally and physically?
He stopped wanting sex a few years ago, we only had sex maybe 1 a month (we were having other issues that are now resolved). This year I've been putting effort on working on myself and the relationship and now we do it once a week, on his day off. He says that he feels stressed during the day and when he wants to have sex im asleep (he finishes working at 4am). I told him to wake me up whenever he felt like having sex no matter the time (Since I work freelance it is not an issue if I stay longer in bed in the morning) but he says that when he see me sleeping he doesn't want to wake me up.
RedPillWife_June2014 10y ago
Do you know for a fact he is ACTIVELY looking for work? Sending out even one resume a WEEK?
Is his resume good and tight? If not, this is one are where you can help him. Or your college's job office.
What are his chances of getting work in his home country? If getting sponsorship in your country is part of the hiring problem, then more applications/resumes isn't going to do any good. Talk to your Alma Mater's job center if there is any question about likelihood of sponsorship. (side note: they may look at you funny but they are free help, use it.)
To be honest, I smell a freeloader. This is why:
Frankly he's acting like a teenager.
His priorities are messed up and he won't be supporting himself any time soon.
In red pill lingo, he's getting what he wants (sex in a living space he's not paying for) and you're stuck with low commitment (dating vs marriage). He has zero motivation to change. Take what you have of your SMV and find someone who will love you better.
[deleted] 10y ago
Thank you for the suggestion on going to the university's job center, we went to the same school and he has to go this week to do pending paperwork he has there, I'll let him know about that. He is also meeting with the migration lawyer to start the process this week.
[deleted] 10y ago
He is actively looking for a job on his field but still has the one he doesnt like and does not plan to quit until he has something else. If anything, I am the one who feels like a freeloader since he pays for all of our expenses (I'm only paying half the rent and my phone bill, he pays for everything else, he even asks me frequently if I need new clothes or anything).
RedPillWife_June2014 10y ago
Thanks for the clarification. I have seen the suspected scenario too often; glad yours is not that case.
It only takes one yes. Keep telling him that. It is the hardest "yes" to get. It took me 4 years to find that first "real" job in my degreed area; every move since has been far easier, and increasingly better.
Good to hear! I was mistaken about his priorities.
I don't much to add that previous posters haven't said. Be his rock at home. Jobs are very important to men-folk, and runs very close to their self-worth as I am sure you have seen. Best wishes to you two.
Bakerofpie 10y ago
Stay out of it as much as possible. If you have to hold his hand through finding a job he probably isn't worth the effort anyway. Of course be nice, listen when he is complaining, but don't try to advise him. Don't go around looking for jobs for him. Do nothing of the sort unless he specifically asks you to. Giving him as much sex as he wants, encouraging him and making sure to give him sincere compliments, and keeping his home comfortable, clean, and low stress is the best thing you can do. He has to get himself out of this mess on his own.
[deleted] 10y ago
Thanks, this is what I've been doing. I dont want to solve his problem, I just want to be supportive.
little_red_ 10y ago
Set an alarm thirty minutes before he arrives home. Make yourself ready and maybe prepare a meal for him. Be his escape from his work woes, not his solution. He has to deal with the stresses of trying to figure out his future every time he arrived at work and realizes how much he hates it. Let yourself be his solace from that.
[deleted] 10y ago
That is a great idea, thank you!
TheTerrorSquad 10y ago
I think he feels insecure about not doing a good job in his field.
interesting how you posted to a sub seeking advice on someone elses problems.
[deleted] 10y ago
Title of the post: Bf is facing the consequences of the career decisions he took a few years ago - How to be supportive?
I'm asking how to be supportive and I'm giving context.
TheTerrorSquad 10y ago
So the problem manifested because he feels insecure?
[deleted] 10y ago
Like I said before, this is just context on the issue, Im asking for advice on how to be supportive - not to fix his issue.
[deleted] 10y ago
For what I have perceived and some things he has mentioned, he feels insecure about his knowledge on his field so that is why he chose to have a part time job on an unrelated field instead of starting his career. Now he says he wants to look for something on the field but he is not getting interviews and he can't take a starting position because of money issues and he is upset about himself because of his previous decisions.