Re-train courtesy of your partner

 © The Herald
Originally published: 08.12.2006





One-third of men have a wife or partner who earns as much or more than them - but you won't find them complaining about it.

Some high-flying women are offering the men in their lives the golden opportunity to step off the treadmill and retrain, according to new research.

The latest figures from the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) reveal that more than half of British men believe that their partner would be able to financially support them while they retrain for another career, allowing them to dream about a life far away from the office.

Relieved from the traditional responsibility of being the main breadwinner, 20 per cent of male office-based graduates are currently considering a career change, while nearly 70 per cent would prefer a more practical, hands-on job.

In fact, of those considering a new profession, 41 per cent would love to start teaching, 21 per cent want to become engineers and 16 per cent are looking into social work.

"This research confirms that professional men are re-evaluating what they want from a career after a few years of working life," says Mike Watkins, director of teacher recruitment at the TDA.

"It's evident that the appeal of office life can wear thin and that men are looking for more than just a high salary - they want to make use of their skills."