Unexpected Relationship Problems Unemployment Can Cause

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A 2011 Ohio State University study found that unemployed men are more likely to get divorced than employed men. For couples who live together, the unemployment of one party can come with its share of financial strain. However, unemployment can also result in a bevy of relationship woes that are not directly tied to money. Here are a few of them:

Division of labor

When one half of a couple is suddenly employed, it can result in conflict over the division of household labor. While it’s reasonable to expect the unemployed partner to pick up more of the household chores because they are home more. However, in cases where the employed party expects the unemployed party to do all of the housework, it’s problematic. All adults should be responsible for keeping their living spaces clean. It should never be just one person’s responsibility. Additionally, job hunting and interviewing is time-consuming.

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Loss of ambition

A successful job search requires a particular level of self-motivation. Unfortunately, this is not innate for everyone and being home for an extended period of time can result in a loss of ambition. Decreased ambition will lead to a dip in productivity, which can be frustrating to the partner who is going out to work every day.

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Idle mind

It’s been said that an idle mind is the devil’s playground and this definitely applies to stints of unemployment. When time is not filled with meaningful tasks, such as job searches or other means of productivity, it can lead to decreased relationship satisfaction on behalf of the unemployed party. It’s easy to find fault in your partner when you have nothing but free time to dwell on disagreements and negativity.

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Unrealistic expectations

Depending on what the job market looks like, landing a new gig could be a slow grind. Unfortunately, when the employed partner has never dealt with unemployment themselves, they may have unrealistic expectations for how long it should take their partner to secure a new job, which can lead to increased tension and arguments.

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Misplaced frustrations

When you work in a competitive industry, you often hear “no” more often than you do “yes” during the interview process. The frequent disappointment will sometimes lead to frustration on behalf of the unemployed partner and if they’re not particularly self-aware, they can take out their frustrations on their partner.

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Outside input

Negative outside influences are like cancer to any relationship, but this is especially true when a couple is facing an issue such as employment. When friends and relatives fill the employed partner’s head with negative and paranoid thoughts about their partner, such as “I’m being used” or “He’s not really trying,” it can cause them to put unnecessary pressure on their partner.

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Lack of empathy

Stints of unemployment do not just cause financial discomfort, but emotional discomfort as well. Unfortunately, people who have never experienced this before often fail to recognize the emotional burden that comes with being jobless and may struggle to show empathy to their partners.

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Pity parties

It’s okay to mourn the loss of a job, but eventually, you have to redirect that energy to something more productive and positive, such as finding a new job. Unfortunately, some are unable to get out of their own way and will become laser-focused on their problems instead of trying to find a solution. This can cause their employed partner to lose patience with them, which can lead to increased tension and arguments.

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Bruised egos

People whose identities are rooted in their job titles and how much money they make have a particularly difficult time dealing during periods of unemployment. Their egos are often wounded by the lay-off or firing and they sometimes look to build themselves back up in unhealthy ways that can damage their relationship.

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Less sex

A lack of employment usually means less money and less money can often bring on more stress as couples struggle to make ends meet. Increased stress levels have been linked to a dip in libido.