Val...I agree he should say what he feels. But he may be avoiding conflict. If he brings this issue up and it is one you have made him feel like crap about or one where he knows you are negative about then he chages it to avoid conflict maybe.

It also could be he has a lot on his mind with being out of work. He sounds like he has a lot of skills so he shouldn't be hanging on to just one job and thinking it's the end if he don't get it. He may be very unable to meet your needs right now because he is out of a job and has the stress of carrying the whole family being a one oncome family. So he is probably very stretched right now as far as his stress level.

He seems like a real worrier about money. If anything it may help him out if he see's you are trying to be frugal right now and try to cut out the unneccesary. I know you have a great nest egg. But he sounds like a worry wart to see it dwindling down and nothing to replenish it. Probably a great act of service for him right now is at least ask if he would like you to find something part time while he is out of work. Tell him he could come there and watch the kiddos there while you worked. Just an idea.

How is he around the holidays? Does he not try to intiate you guys spending any time together as a family?