Help no work

berna56

My husband has been out of work for over a year. He had his own business (fitted furniture) but with the downturn there is no work out there.He can also do extensions, painting etc etc. I have suggested to him to phone people up and leave his name & phone number. He is very quiet & shy man & i think he would rather die first than to ask.He has become very withdrawn & i'm really worried about him. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.Should he train for something else or is his age against him, he's 60. Has anyone been in the same situation? If so what did you do to overcome this.
Thanks in advance.

Mrs OBumble

At 60, I don't think that further training is realistic, unless it's something he can learn on the job.

It's harsh, but it may be that he won't be in the paid workforce again. (Don't tell him I said that though!

Would he consider volunteer work of some kind? This would be a way of getting him involved with the community again, even if it's not for paid work.

Also, if he has become withdrawn, then a visit to his GP would be in order. There are various health problems that can start kicking which cause that, and are worth investigating.

MouseTail

I agree that volunteering might be really good for him. Is there a care and repair in your locality? They do home maintenance and small upkeep jobs in elderly and vulnerable peoples homes. He would be using his skills and getting out of the house and meeting people.
http://www.ageaction.ie/care-and-repair/about-care-and-repair

con___manx1

Find out if there is a men's shed in your area. They are set up for people like your husband who are older and lost there job. They can work and socialise there. Sitting at home when unemployed is not good for mental health .hope it works out for him anyway

DesertCreat_15

Mens sheds all the way !

http://menssheds.ie/find-a-shed-3/