I apologize if this isn't the place for this post, but I didn't know where else would be good to post this.
For a little background, my husband (38/M) and I (41/M) have been together since 2008. Neither of us were fortunate enough to end up with a college degree, so we've mostly worked entry-level/food service/retail jobs, most of them shitty and/or abusive. We also spent the better part of 12 years moving around the country, trying to find a place that made us happy. We've only recently found a place to settle into for the long run, and this is where we're at today.
At many of our jobs, we have worked together. It's never been a problem, because we work really well together, but our most recent employment was/continues to be a very bad experience for him especially. At our most recent employer, my job is mostly administrative, while his was as a supervisor on the sales floor. He was under an insane level of pressure, and was basically the one carrying the department. Our supervisors completely ignored his requests for accommodations or help, resulting in him ultimately quitting without notice.
He was able to get another job pretty quickly, and seemingly at a place that may be a better fit, but it's at a quick service food chain. The last few days, he's been really down on himself and feeling like a “loser” for being 38 and working what is essentially fast food. I keep trying to tell him that this is the world we live in now, and that he's not alone, but I don't think it's helping. For what it's worth, I don't feel ashamed of the jobs I've had. A little angry at the shitty system we have to live under, sure, but not ashamed.
So I would love if people would comment on this and share your personal stories, send words of encouragement, or otherwise show him that there's lots of people out there in our age group (or other age groups) that are having the same experiences.
Thank you in advance for reading all of this. <3