I'm not dating because I'd like to focus on my career. He has a valid point as long as he's saying the truth.

Ugh, I remember when my paid escort said the same thing to me. Now that was confusing…

His gaming career?

OP, I've been in a very similar situation of being dumped, so I know how much it hurts. I'm sorry to hear it happened to you. However, you can also choose to look at the situation as a blessing in disguise. I say this as someone who's been unemployed. Even though I didn't dump anyone, I wasn't happy on dates (because I was so bummed out and stressed about being unemployed). I knew I wasn't much fun on those dates and was sometimes just a Debbie Downer. In a way, your ex spared you from having to deal with all that. This does NOT justify what he did -- it's just another way of looking at the situation which might help you feel better. Also, remember that time heals all wounds. *Hug*

It sucks from your point of view and I'm sorry for that. But if you think about the situation a bit more, he might just need more time for himself since he's already unemployed. He may not exactly have time to focus on anything else. And being in a relationship comes with many responsibilities. It's really hard to juggle a career and relationship. Many people can do it, but others may need more time to secure themselves first. (Unless he's using this as an excuse, in which case you should def move on). And you're not "worth less than a career". (Just saw your title). Hope you feel better OP!

Could be either or. Maybe he's finally realized he needs to get it together & focus on getting his career (hopefully) Or he's just giving a sorry excuse. If he is getting it together - then give him space & he'll be much better for you after a short while. If it's just an excuse - then I'm sorry but your dodging a bullet. You can't force anyone to improve themselves

He thought you were in the way of his job hunting. Put yourself in other people's shoes sometimes

Does a career entail slaving away at a 9-to-5? Maybe he is working on getting a job? Is he actually working on something personal? Like ... did you ever talk to him about it?

There are many aspects to focusing on a career. Like getting the skills needed, or actually working your way into the career. Perhaps he wants to focus on finding a job? And frankly, looking for work is a full-time job all on it's own. Especially in the current economy, it's not at all easy to get a job most places. If you want something more than part-time work at McDonald's or Walmart, you've really gotta fight for it. It's also very stressful to be out of work, he might just not have wanted to have anything else to worry about, or might have felt like he can't pull his weight financially in the relationship or something. Like if he doesn't feel like he afford to go out and doesn't want to make you pay all the time, that's probably not easy to deal with. But it might have been easier to say he just wants to focus on his career. But if he's like content being unemployed and isn't even looking for a job well maybe you dodged a bullet then.

probably why he needs to focus on his career. Tbh, that sounds a lot better than him staying unemployed and having you pay for it