How to Be Supportive During Your Partner's Job Search

The right job can provide a sense of pride and stability.

Whether your spouse or partner is looking for a new job as an upgrade to their current situation or they've been let go from the job of their dreams, showing support for her endeavors can make a big difference in how she feels about the transition. Armed with basic information, you can be supportive during your partner's job search whether it takes weeks, months or years. Once your partner sees your positive and supportive attitude, he'll be better able to pursue the job search without worrying about your personal feelings or the current situation.

Instructions

1. Be accepting of how your partner feels about the process and don't read too much into his emotions as they can shift daily. He may be excited, fearful, nervous or angry and may need to express these deeper feelings to you. Assume that no emotional state is "wrong" for the situation and allow him the space to speak as he needs.

2. Express any fears or concerns you have with your partner, however, do so with confidence that your partner's situation will improve and she'll land a job. Tell her of the unique talents she brings to her potential employers and tell her you know the perfect job is waiting for her.

3. Give your partner affirmation that she's on the right track in her job search and be ready to listen to her ideas as she thinks of potential jobs to apply for. Brainstorm with your partner to give her more ideas to find the ideal job for her abilities.

4. Remain interested and involved in your partner's process, asking questions about how things are going when appropriate. Avoid interrogating questions which can come off as disapproval or feeling upset. How your partner manages his job search is up to him, you are there to be supportive of his method and provide more ideas, if possible.

5. Keep your own emotions in check, particularly if they conflict with what your partner needs in order to feel supported. It is okay to express fears about your partner's job search, but expressing them repeatedly, or making your partner feel he's supposed to fix them, will only complicate his struggle.

6. Work to decrease household spending, if your partner is currently unemployed, to lessen the burden and urgency of her job search. This can include cutting out unnecessary expenses like gym memberships or monthly movie tickets. Also try to cut back on bills by lowering electricity usage through small changes around the home or dropping unused phone plans.

Tips & Warnings

• Encourage your partner to volunteer in your community with some of her free time. This allows a break from the job hunt and provides meaning to someone else's life while she searches to create meaning in her own.

References

• "In Search of the Perfect Job"; Clyde C. Lowstuter, Cammen B. Lowstuter; 2007
• Resumark; How to Support Your Spouse During Their Job Search; Kate Seidametova; Jan. 27, 2010