User blog comment:Pvg3/Am I the only spouse who is about to have a breakdown if her husband doesn't get a job?/@comment-129.67.152.161-20100121171114

Dear Pvg3, I commend you for starting this thread and for writing about your experience. You obviously care a great deal about this situation, your relationship and the impact the tiring process of applying for jobs when the supply of well qualified Phds well out numbers the demand. I could go on and mention how the system has basically failed many bright young things and the temptation for Universities to make money by taking on more and more students must be changed (all of this occurring while unemployment in general soars). But you ask for some thoughts on how to improve the situation at home... I would imagine you have tried many of these suggestions already... 1) Start by acknowledging just how difficult the situation is for the BOTH of you (it sounds like you are doing the bulk of the money making and the support - it is ok for your husband to emotionally support you now too) 2) and then start to make some ground rules to make life at home more pleasant. Perhaps not talking about the job outside of set times and doing activities you once enjoyed together. See friends etc. It is important the you keep the relationship strong so that when the devastation of another failed round of application hits you can support each other. 3) Remember that you will be able to get through this - hang in there.