Reader advice to wife worried about husband's job loss

DEAR READERS: A few weeks back, "Concerned Wife" wrote a thoughtful letter about her husband's impending job loss. In addition to professional challenges, he felt he was letting his family down. Concerned asked how she could help her husband through this rough time.

A flood of mail came in from readers. Here's a sampling:

DEAR AMY: Even though I am over 60 and am lucky to have just found a job, I have gone through four job changes in the past six years. My wife was very supportive. My advice for the husband: When you lost your job, you actually "got" two jobs. No. 1 is finding a new job, and No. 2 is using your "spare" time to contribute to your family in non-monetary ways. Do house cleaning, pick up the dry cleaning, do the laundry and anything else you can think of to pitch in. Have dinner prepared, so when your wife comes home from work on Friday all she has to do is take off her shoes, have a glass of wine and anticipate a wonderful errand- and housework-free weekend with her hubby and kids.

-- Been There, Done That

DEAR AMY: Over my 38-year career, I have had to change jobs six times. I have been able to bounce back every time, often into better jobs than I had before.

--David

DEAR AMY: Having experienced the layoff process from both sides of the table, I believe the most important thing to realize is your career will not be the same. Whatever happens, this wife should help her husband mourn the loss like the death of a close friend. He'll be grieving for a loss of identity.

--RIF Veteran

DEAR AMY: My husband was laid off four months after our wedding. He and his former co-workers started their own business, and he is happier than ever at work.

--Happy Wife