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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Desperate for help

29 replies

deepinthedoldrums · 29/09/2010 10:38

Long story. My DH left his job as MD in a design company as he wanted to be his own boss. Things didn't turn out too well, mostly because he isn't very good at finding new clients. He then decided he was going to invent a new exercise device which he would build at home and then market via advertising.
To do this he needed capital and so offered our house as security to the bank.
I was not happy about this as I was very doubtful that he would he able to make a go of this new idea. I felt pressured into agreeing to sign the bank papers as I was trying to be supportive and thought he deserved a chance.
Within a few months he had failed to sell any of his products and the bank wanted their money back (£60K). I then found out he had lots of bills from suppliers, another £30K. We had bailiffs at the door and he had court judgements against him so we can't get another mortgage.
We managed to sell the house before the bank foreclosed on us but we were left with hardly any capital. We moved into a rented house and he claimed benefits for us and DS, aged 4.
That was three years ago. I was so desperate I took a part time job and have been worried sick about the benefits agency finding out. My DH is currently sitting upstairs in his study trying to write a novel as a way out of our situation.
He can't find another management job and refuses to try anything 'demeaning' despite having lots of DIY skills he could try to use to earn some money.
On top of all this he is picking on my son who seems to have become a scapegoat for DH's frustrations. I know he is depressed and worried but it isn't my son's fault.
I am on anti depressants and very stressed, seeing a psychiatric nurse.
I am desperate to know what to do. I still love my DH but feel I can't cope with all the worry and tension for much longer.

OP posts:
lizziemun · 30/09/2010 15:47

Yes it is difficult for a 50 yr man to get a job. But's its a damn site harder when the 50yr is living in a fanstasy world.

Yes he probaly won't be able to get the same sort of job he was doing. But he needs to get of his arse and look for work to help and help with the mess he has caused. If he wont then tough he looks after his ds and looking the house while you are working.

Your mental health is not being helped by being the adult in this relationship.

deepinthedoldrums · 30/09/2010 16:19

DH has sent off lots of applications, but he has been self-employed for some years now and I can see that his job prospects are not good. However, he does have a lot of DIY skills that he could try (he renovated our house on his own).
It is the horrible atmosphere that troubles me most, me treading on egg-shells and him being so irritable with DH. Weekends are worse as he is forced to spend time with me and DH rather than on his 'work'.

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 30/09/2010 16:26

yuk

Taghain · 30/09/2010 17:23

It sounds dreadful.
On the practical side, he needs to telephone & grovel to all the contacts he made while being head of the design company, and ask them if they know of any relevant work. Just sending off applications isn't the best way of finding it. He should also sign onto any job-finding courses that are available.
IMHO, the "DIY" skills are unlikely to lead to much apart from some small jobs. Speed as well as skill is needed to make a living. Also many practical skills need certification so he wouldn't be legally allowed to complete works with gas plumbing or electrics, for instance.

And as for writing a novel - crazy unless he's very lucky or good or has written before.

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