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Career Change Worries
My husband made a complete career change a year ago after being laid off from a job that he had been unhappy with for a long time. He moved into a sales/commission-based career and has had to start from the bottom to work his way up. His first year has been surprisingly profitable for someone just starting out but there have been some very slow/tight months and this is our first year of marriage. His job doesn't provide health benefits, a 401K, etc. I have a corporate job that does offer those things however I am afraid of what would happen if I lost mine.
I have tried very hard to be his cheerleader and be supportive of his new career but there are realities about his job that really worry me, especially if we have a family. Such as, what if he goes a month or more without getting a paycheck? What if I lose my job? I also get worried at how depressed he becomes when he has a slow period. Money is always a source of stress for him. We have talked about these concerns before and he claims he is going to get a "traditional" job but I don't see him acting on it.
Does anyone have experience with this type of situation?
Re: Career Change Worries
I have a few questions...
1. Do you have any reason right now (I know things can change) to think that you will lose your job? Do you feel confident that you will still be there a year from now?
2. Is there a level that your husband can achieve by "moving up the ranks" that will offer him retirement, health insurance and more stability? Can he reach that point in the next year or so, or no?
I totally understand your concerns and I feel like this must be what some households with only one bread-winner must feel like, especially when you start to pile on children in a home. The pressure must be immense.
That being said, if you have no reason to believe that your job is in immediate danger, then breathe. If your husband can eventually reach a level of having the same benefits as you, breathe. You'll get there. It might be a good idea to set a date of when he really needs to move over into a position with benefits, especially if that will help you relax.
If you were to be laid off, would you be able to find another job in a reasonable about of time? I don't know what your line of work is, but if it's a common position, then remember you might be out for a few months, but you'll land on your feet. Also, if you are laid off, health benefits are covered under COBRA (are you in the US?) so you'll have insurance while you look for a new job.
Your husband's mood and depression about his work are another problem entirely. As someone trying to build a career and make a name for myself while trying to find a place to work that I adore takes a huge toll on one's sanity. Couple that with completely starting over from scratch must be a huge change for him. If he can tell you what makes him unhappy and what would make him happy, then I wouldn't worry too much. But, if he's more vague and just generally dissatisfied with life, then you might be looking at a situation that will always be a burden for him and always lead to foul moods.
Good luck!
Be a good communicator talk to your Hubby about your concerns and if things still look bleekyou should try counceling to work out your problems
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What you're feeling is normal and totally understandable.
I agree with PP. What are DH's opportunities for getting healthy and 401(k)? Is it totally a no-go or is the benefit there but only after so many years?
Here's what I would do. Have many irons in the fire. Balance it out. But DH should have his resume always ready to go. He should be searching for jobs biweekly just to see if a better position, with benefits becomes available with immediate benefits available.
Sales with commission-only is a tough, tough spot to be. Look for ways now to get into a more stable-feeling career. His and your peace of mind will be soothed, just by making the efforts.
You do know that health insurance and retirement accounts can be obtained regardless of if your employer offers them or not.
Sounds like he needs to talk to someone at his bank about different types of IRA accounts.
Welcome to being a grown up. That means taking care of your own financial future.