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Relationships

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

Unemployed brother in 30s

13 replies

Brooke876 · 05/09/2023 14:24

My (F30s) brother (30s) has been unemployed for nearly 3 years after he quit his job, to “take time off”.

He lives at home with my mother, stays up til 2/3AM most nights (not gaming) and shows up around lunchtime.

He doesn’t leave the house much (around 3x week) and occasionally meets with friends.
He spent most of the last 3 years essentially enjoying hobbies and doing what he wanted. He barely does any housework and generally is disrespectful to my mother (70/retired).

During the last 3 years, he decided he was going to be an “entrepreneur”, however the time he puts on this project/idea has been far less compared to time spent on hobbies/doing nothing. Just to add, this project is not complete and brings in 0 money.

He pays no bills, no rent and has access to my mother’s cars for practically no cost. He buys some groceries but generally speaking contributes very little, if anything.

I’ve listened to my mother complain, worry and stress about this for the last few years and I have always tried to guide her and generally be sympathetic.

I have explained to her that he has no need to work and that she needs to stop making it so comfortable/easy. However nothing has changed.

As of late, I’m really starting to realise that my mother is enabling this to continue and allows my brother walk all over her with little to no consequences. However she has stressed that to him/me that she does not want this to continue (living at home with no job).

It’s become very difficult for me to visit as it’s quite a toxic/tense environment due to my brother and in my opinion, his narcissistic traits.

I feel like I am already dreading Christmas or this topic arising for discussion again.

What would you do in my situation?

OP posts:
tescocreditcard · 05/09/2023 14:25

I wouldn't do anything. If your mum doesn't want him there she needs to ask him to leave. Complaining to you isn't going to solve anything is it.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 05/09/2023 14:33

I would not do anything either, not that there is anything you can do re this situation they’ve created between them. Theirs is an unhealthy codependent relationship.

CrispsnDips · 05/09/2023 14:36

Just try and take a step away emotionally, you have tried to guide your mother but she is allowing his behaviour to continue - she needs to be cruel to be kind by giving him some ultimatums: contribute otherwise his bags will be packed and on the front garden!!

Carebearstare12e · 05/09/2023 14:39

I'm in a similar position. But have my Mum and DB both complaining to me about each other.

There's nothing you can do if they won't talk to each other and say how they feel or how they want things to change.

Arthurnewyorkcity · 05/09/2023 14:40

Are we related op, this is my brother to! Except he lives with my dad and my.dad also moans.
I said to my dad if I was you he'd be kicked out the house 9-5 to look for jobs, go library, hand out cvs or whatever. Car for essential trips such as interviews and not socialising.
Reality is people like my dad and your mum won't change. They are enablers. They love to the point of causing more bad than good. Our brothers need a kick up the a... but they won't get it. There's zero motivation for them to change. I fully expect my brother 34 to be at home come 50...

Arthurnewyorkcity · 05/09/2023 14:41

Realised I didn't answer. Id tell your brother he's never going to meet a partner free loaded off his mum.in his 30s, he needs to get off his butt and get a job. Then leave them all to it. You can't change what others allow

ManchesterLu · 05/09/2023 14:45

I have a similar situation. Except my brother is self employed and earning a small amount, but it'll never be enough to live alone on.

It works for them both. They're happy with the situation.

It's your mum's issue to solve, if she wants to solve it. Who are we to say what's right or wrong in the dynamics of other people's relationships?

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 05/09/2023 14:50

The best you can do is, as his sister, tell him to stop taking the piss out of your mother's kind nature.

As for your mother, you need to just grey rock this topic "mum, I can't keep listening to this over and over. Nothing will change until you decide to kick him out"

Brooke876 · 05/09/2023 17:15

Thanks all!

OP posts:
Gingerkittykat · 05/09/2023 17:30

Does he claim benefits/ earn anything at all?

If he is on benefits they will be putting pressure on him to find a job.

The only thing you can do is support your mum to put boundaries in place.

Watchkeys · 05/09/2023 17:35

I wouldn't do anything. It's between them. I wouldn't go there for Christmas, or any other time, if it didn't feel comfortable.

Have you asked your Mum if she would like you to do anything regarding the situation? If not, I don't see that it has anything to do with you.

MintJulia · 05/09/2023 17:50

Make it clear to your dm that when she is ready, and when/if she wants him to leave, then you will support her.

Until then, do nothing except invite your mum to yours for Christmas and leave lazy arse brother to get himself a takeaway.

Brooke876 · 05/09/2023 18:13

No, nothing.

I imagine he is living off savings

OP posts:
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