Down over coming job loss

Dear Amy: We recently learned that my husband would likely be laid off within a month. My husband is devastated; in addition to the impact this has had on his professional ego, he feels he’s letting his family down by not being able to support us until he finds another job.

I have tried to reassure him that this is a chance to get a job he will love. His paycheck is not what makes him the amazing father and husband he is. Is there anything else I could do?

Concerned Wife

Dear Wife: One unfortunate aspect of the current unemployment situation is that men are losing their jobs at a disproportionally high rate.

I read recently about a group of professional men who had been downsized. They got together to network on professional prospects. Your husband could benefit from the friendship and fellowship of men in similar straits. Suggest that he meet regularly with colleagues (or ex-colleagues).

Send questions to Amy Dickinson by e-mail to askamy@tribune.com or by mail to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.