So, a little background. Hubs has extensive experience in retail management. He was store manager with a non-profit organization that benefited victims of domestic abuse. He completely revamped their retail location, even adding a children's play area. I went to the ribbon-cutting for their store where he was praised by the company executives. Well, I guess he made running the store a little too turnkey because they eliminated his job in August 2024, giving double duty to a guy who was running their warehouse.
So, he has been at home for well over a year. He feeds our two cats in the morning and they typically stay on the bed in the guest room where he is on the computer. We have lunch together every day and sometimes walk out by the lake near our house. I thought he'd given up on the job hunting but he was quietly putting his resume out there. Since he is only 60, he has been without healthcare and had just signed up for a 2026 plan. He paid out-of-pocket for his annual physical and Covid shot.
I'm happy to say that he was just hired by a major medical organization (think hospitals) to run their 3 gift shops. The job is within 10 miles of our house, Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30, with a 401k and possible pension. Best of all, he receives free, outstanding healthcare. He is in training all week and is really excited about the new job.
The weird part is that I am so used to having him here during the day, I just felt kind of gloomy today when I got up. He wasn't here. I had lunch by myself and the cats were completely out of sorts. They never laid on the bed in the guest room. They were unsettled and were wandering around the house, not sleeping.
Truth be told, I usually leave him on the couch and go to the gym after lunch, but the house felt very empty when I returned. I know we will all get used to the routine we had when he was working, but it just feels weird right now. Regardless, I have nothing to complain about. He feels more independent and mentally stimulated, and we have something to celebrate going into 2026!
So, he has been at home for well over a year. He feeds our two cats in the morning and they typically stay on the bed in the guest room where he is on the computer. We have lunch together every day and sometimes walk out by the lake near our house. I thought he'd given up on the job hunting but he was quietly putting his resume out there. Since he is only 60, he has been without healthcare and had just signed up for a 2026 plan. He paid out-of-pocket for his annual physical and Covid shot.
I'm happy to say that he was just hired by a major medical organization (think hospitals) to run their 3 gift shops. The job is within 10 miles of our house, Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30, with a 401k and possible pension. Best of all, he receives free, outstanding healthcare. He is in training all week and is really excited about the new job.
The weird part is that I am so used to having him here during the day, I just felt kind of gloomy today when I got up. He wasn't here. I had lunch by myself and the cats were completely out of sorts. They never laid on the bed in the guest room. They were unsettled and were wandering around the house, not sleeping.
Truth be told, I usually leave him on the couch and go to the gym after lunch, but the house felt very empty when I returned. I know we will all get used to the routine we had when he was working, but it just feels weird right now. Regardless, I have nothing to complain about. He feels more independent and mentally stimulated, and we have something to celebrate going into 2026!
I know you became accustomed to having him around, and you both enjoyed being together. It will take some time, but you and the kitties will adjust to him working again, and everything will be OK. 
