Stuck in Unwanted Career Path

Vent alert:

Ever since my husband and I have been together, I’ve been the one making the most income for our family. It’s never been a big deal. Whatever, that doesn’t matter.

My husband has been in his industry for 15 years now. He got fired this time last year from his last company. (For something silly but still a mistake he made) He found a new job about a month later, but it pays crap. He took it since he had little options at the time and needed employment. He told me it would be temporary while he looked for something better. Welp, it’s a year later, and he still has no interest.

With his extensive experience, he could definitely find something a lot better that pays a lot more. I’ve offered to help him with his resume, help apply him to jobs, etc. but he never wants to. I told him, “Look, if you love this job, that’s one thing, but it doesn’t seem like you do. Is that why?” He said no, that he doesn’t love it, which I believe because he complains about it occasionally. I personally think he likes it because it’s so easy and he doesn’t have to do much.

Anyway, long story short, I’m earning most the income for our family and that burden is on my shoulders. I’m in a career path I don’t enjoy, but I just got promoted and a big salary boost. I also drive an hour one way to work. I would love to be able to work closer to home and do something in a field I’m more interested in, but my husband basically told me I’m stuck because we need my income. 😑

If he would just try to get at least a little better paying job, I could have more flexibility to do something that makes me happier. Instead, I feel stuck. He tells me I should just be grateful that I make the money I do, and I am, but it’s not about that. 😔