Hey all,

My guy works for a large health care company. They "promoted" him to a contracted position at a hospital to be an interim director. He loves the position and was told after the contract, they'd offer him the position with a raise and etc. He worked so unbelievably hard on this project. He received so much praise and positive reviews on both ends.

The contract is over at the end of next month. He was so excited for the new offer and promotion, only to find out they were offering him $10k less than what he makes now with no growth potential. He now has to continue what he's contractually obligated to do knowing he won't be there in three weeks. His company is thrilled and wants to continue giving him similar projects in the future, and gave him a 3% raise. This job will require travel.

He's absolutely bummed. He never shows emotion (which can be irritating at times) but he's been silent. I can tell he's devastated. He feels used and lied to by the company he worked so hard for, plus his position suddenly turned into a travel position when it previously wasn't.

I know there is nothing I can say to make this magically better. I've been surprising him with dinner, taking care of things that he normally has to do... I guess I'm searching for ways to make him feel better without absolutely smothering him. I know you can go overboard with this kind of thing. I know the best thing I can do for him is just be there. He's the captain though, and I don't want him to feel any less. I still think the man is the best thing to ever happen in my life. I know he feels crushed by his career. Any of you go through a similar situation? What did you do for him? I know things will be better with time, just wishing that time would pass quickly.