Wife resists giving support to man’s new career plan
DEAR ABBY » I am an older IT professional (58) who had a very successful career until a year ago. I was part of a major layoff at the company I worked at for many years. I have not been able to find a job in the IT field since.
Besides my skills and knowledge in IT, I’m an accomplished handyman with skills in most of the trades. The issue is, my wife is insistent that I get another job in IT — mostly for the benefits.
Older IT workers have a very hard time finding work in the field. I’d like to start a handyman company since I enjoy this kind of work. If I
HOROSCOPES
Aries (March 21-April
19): You are creative and will have ideas about new things to try. You’re also, unlike many in your group, bold enough to pitch them. You’ll start the ball rolling. Others will come forward afteryoudo.
Taurus (April 20-May 20): Don’t fuss or hesitate over today’s opportunities. They will be like fresh toast. Get it while it’s hot. Otherwise, it will harden as it cools, making each bite a crumbly mess.
Gemini (May 21-June
21): You’ll be lucky today, although don’t expect to think so until weeks later when you look back on the start a handyman business, my wife, for the first time, would have to go from being a part-time worker at her job to full time to provide us with benefits. This will cause a lot of strain on our marriage because she has made it clear she does not want to work full time.
I think she’s being selfish. I have provided her with a very nice lifestyle for many years and feel it’s time she step up and do her part. I’m not sure how to broach the subject without an argument ensuing. Help? DEAR SWITCHING » Expect an argument and be prepared for it. You are not responsible for having been laid off. It seems there is plenty of ageism in your field, and it isn’t surprising events of Dec. 10 and realize their role in landing you in a position of good fortune.
Cancer (June 22-July 22): The day’s work will be a little like putting a stylish outfit together. It starts with wearing everything you think will work. Then you’ll change out of different elements. And finally, you’ll strip away everything superfluous.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): The same force of attraction that shapes the swirling universe at large is at the heart of all you create in your personal realm. Careful, though, as attraction can also cause greed you can’t find a comparable job in IT when the preference appears to be for hiring younger, cheaper workers.
Frankly, you are fortunate to have both an alternative and the initiative to start a handyman business. Good handymen are hard to find, and your wife should make the effort to support you in what could be a successful endeavor once it gets on its feet. That’s what partners in life are supposed to do, isn’t it?
DEAR ABBY » My boyfriend and I have been together for a couple of years. He has three siblings, all in their 20s, none married.
Today I received a group email from his mom addressed to him, his father, his grandmother, all three siblings and their boyfriends/girlfriends and jealousy. Monitor your attractions.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The situation today is something like a marching band in which more than half the players are on key and in time. The ones who are off sort of make it a messy show, but it still, more or less, sounds like music.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): You don’t want the same thing as the others, and for this reason, you’ll find life a lot easier to manage. No lines, no inflated costs — you just go straight to the source and plunk down the money. (including me) asking for Christmas wish lists. She wants to know what we would like for Christmas and would like all of us to “reply all” on the email so everyone else will have ideas for Christmas presents.
I don’t know how to respond! I don’t want to appear greedy, but I do like the idea that she wants to get us all presents that we will like. Can you give me any suggestions on the best way to respond? DEAR PERPLEXED » Your boyfriend’s mother is a generous — and sensible — woman. She is soliciting ideas because she doesn’t want to waste her time or money buying something the recipient won’t like. Answer her question. Tell Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov.
21): Make it brief. Then you’ll be listened to. They may not understand it, because the spirit of brevity leaves much unexplained, but it’s better to have attention and questions than to have no audience. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec.
21): Imagine a world in which you spend your days very differently than you’re spending them now. This thought exercise holds a drop of enlightenment if you go deep enough into it. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan.
19): Maybe it takes a degree of education to bandy about high-flown statements, but everyone knows her what you would like, as long as it isn’t something that will break the bank. Your boyfriend can probably give you some hints about her budget. I suggest you talk to him about it. To order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for
$7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby — Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL
61054-0447. that education is not intelligence. Today’s best reason will come plain-clothed. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.
18): Instead of thinking of your failed projects as mistakes, think of them as school projects in the classroom of life. Generosity abounds from the standpoint of learning. Surely, you’ve earned many an A. Pisces (Feb. 19-March
20): You’re feeling sort of quiet, observant and reflective today. It’s comfortable for you, as well as being a good look for you. One caution: People will project their hopes and wishes into the space you’re holding.