My husband has been a social worker for the last twenty years or so. He has never enjoyed his job and it has been directly responsible for several bouts of quite severe anxiety. At those points, he quit his job but eventually went back to it as he felt that was the only thing he knew how to do. He once tried lecturing but it didn’t work either due to his self-esteem issues.
He recently started on a different area after a long break from work. His anxiety has returned and I know he will end up quitting. To be fair, the work environment he is in sounds awful so it’s not just him.
I’m in a very different situation. I work full time, love my job, want more responsibilities and would like to study to get more qualifications.
I am the higher earner and I’ve supported him through the different periods he’s been off work. We manage on my salary, but I admit I don’t like having to worry about money when we don’t have to. I also resent always being the one propping things up at home, if I’m honest. For example, I’ve recently had some difficulties at work and he asked me not to discuss them with him as he found it stressing to hear about them. That really upset me very much and I haven’t discussed my work with him since, despite his apologies.
He is an excellent father to our three children and can be a brilliant husband when in a positive mood. He is currently in therapy to manage his anxiety but it’s having a limited impact.
Help.