1st steps of marriage breakdown

Fen1

Thanks for all your replies: I know that she feels very alone in her situation. Knowing that others have gone through it will help.
The info on her NI contributions was particularly useful: the sort of the thing she needs to think about. One of the reasons she is so worried about leaving is the very real fear of future poverty. The decisions she makes now will have enormous consequences both short and long term. I think perhaps her only realistic option would be to live with me or one of her friends and get temp work for a few weeks and see how she gets on, then see about making it more permanent.
All she wanted was the white picket fence, 2.4, and a holiday in the sun every year. Instead, she got her mother-in-law, life in a packing crate, and cellulite. Life can be just peachy sometimes.

duchy

Starting a course -even if she doesn't finish it-may be better for your sister than in just the qualification area. She will get out of the house, meet new people and be doing something just for her. All three things are great first steps-and who knows where they may lead. It may not be a cure all but it's part of the self-esteem building that it sounds like your sister will need to break free and rebuild.