Husband so unhappy with job-worried about him.

[gottachangethename1]

Dp was out of work for several years after relocating a long distance in order to be with me. He couldn't get any job similar to his old one as in the UK it would be classed as civil service and as he is not of British parentage he can't even apply.
Fast forward years of being depressed at being out of work and applying for almost any job and having no luck, he finally got something. The hours are horrific and the job very menial, especially in comparison to what he used to do. He has stuck at it for the last few months purely to earn a wage and to keep busy, but he is very unhappy. He keeps applying for other more suitable jobs but is not receiving any replies.
I am trying my best to support him emotionally, I too am having work struggles and feel I have to keep upbeat for dh and dc, but I am exhausted by it all. I am starting to dread him walking through the door because he looks so sad and downtrodden.

I have told him to leave, but in this current financial climate he knows he will back to being unemployed again and we need the money so he is stuck. What can I do to help him?

I'd agree that in the current climate it's not a good idea to leave job until you've got the next lined up unless you absolutely have to.

What about some training or a course to up his skills level? Is there an area he's interested in? He could do an evening course or Open Uni course to boost his confidence and then try to gain some unpaid experience in the sector bewteen working hours.

It must be destroying his soul getting up every day doing a job he detests.

Can you not relocate to where he does come from.

What about him finding something to do outside of work that he feels is more worthwhile? If he has been a civil servant elsewhere in the world I bet he's got lots of skills and experience he could bring to the board of a Charity or a School or something similar. then work (for the moment) can just be about bringing in the money, and his self esteem can be boosted by what he does outside.

Thanks for all your replies.

There is no way I could relocate due to caring for an elderly parent and dc being in important year of secondary school. I have told him to retrain for a new line of work, but he thinks he is too old to take time out to start training in something new (45), but I think I will suggest it again, I like the idea of him doing something outside of work, but unfortunately he is required to work just over 80 hours per week (this is without overtime) so on a day off he is fit for nothing.
Thanks again.

What kind of job has 80 hours per week as working hours?

That is a lot of hours

So, in the context of where he works, is there a role he could be more interested in with some opportunities for promotion? I'm thinking if he showed an interest in that side, befirends the person who does it, willingly 'helps' as a bit of extra experience he could move sideways/ upwards?

BTW - are you me (similarities are uncanny).

Urrrr..... What about the European working time directive? I normal Working week should not be more than 48 hours and the are strict rules about gaps between shifts. You can be given the option to opt out and work longer, but it is an option, and you cannot be treated less favourably if you choose not to take it...

What kind of work is it? Retail? Construction?

Is he able to put his CV on a CV site? My DH says he hates his job sometimes and getting head-hunted always seems to cheer him up. Even though he's never made the jump to a new job yet, it makes him feel better to know he's in demand and there are other options. It also makes him value his company/salary when he sees what some other jobs offer.

I have to say though 80 hours is outrageous - I occasionally did that in my old job and I was a mess in those weeks.