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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask if you could honestly do this ?

66 replies

ChicRaven · 06/12/2024 20:22

If your partner left you, would you be able to move away and live alone, financially supporting yourself? This isn't based on what you would get out of a divorce because in this scenario you wouldn't have that security.

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Meemeows · 07/12/2024 14:08

Yes. I am doing it. I have raised my children alone since they were tiny. We live in a 4 bedroom house, I pay for nannies when I'm working. We have holidays, they have extra-curricular activities and everything they need and that their friends have. The divorce cost me a lot of my assets but was worth every penny.

It's tiring of course but it's perfectly possible. Thousands of us do it! Saving in the hope of early retirement and some rest! Grin

Tubetrain · 07/12/2024 08:46

Yes of course. Anyone who puts themselves in a position where they couldn't is naive in the extreme.

herewegoagogo · 07/12/2024 08:44

I did do it...I am doing it. You can achieve way more than you think. I also work in the NHS in an average job. I left with nothing.

ThatAgileLimeCat · 07/12/2024 00:04

Yes and did. Would be in better position if I needed to do that again as am in a better career...it would be DH who would have a struggle.

HidingFromDD · 06/12/2024 23:57

Yes, and did. But I kept my career going, albeit part time so took a hit on progression, and it was really tough for the first 5 years. This was after a 30 year relationship.

ChellyT · 06/12/2024 23:43

Hell YES!

Even though we had joint/pooled finances when I wanted out I literally opened a bank account and bought his share of the the property.

We had 2 children both which stayed with me. I received very little child support over the years, all of which was documented.

He squandered the monies from the settlement, moved back into his mother's within the first year and started dating the girlfriend before me. That was almost 20 years ago and he is still at his mother's.

Our two have grown up and had children of their own and there is a little resentment that they now know the cost of bring up children and that their father didn't contribute. I have a relationship with my children, he barely does.

Itgetsharder · 06/12/2024 22:43

ChicRaven · 06/12/2024 20:22

If your partner left you, would you be able to move away and live alone, financially supporting yourself? This isn't based on what you would get out of a divorce because in this scenario you wouldn't have that security.

@ChicRaven why do you ask?

AshCrapp · 06/12/2024 22:41

I personally could. I earn more than DP, and we rent rather than own, so it wouldn't be a massive drop on circumstances. I would have to make sacrifices and it would cost me savings. I wouldn't be able to afford holidays, and I'd feel more financial pressure. But yes, I could afford to rent somewhere for DC and I, and I could afford clothes, food, Christmases by myself.

ThatTealViewer · 06/12/2024 22:32

Yup. It would be a completely different lifestyle to the one I had now, but easily. If I went back to work FT, as opposed to occasional consulting, I’d be earning (very) early six figures. And I only have one DC. I also have an extremely supportive family. I’d be fine. Sad, though - as DH is wonderful.

If this is something you need to do, I’m very sorry and I hope you have the means and support that you need.

NoraLuka · 06/12/2024 22:29

I left ExH when the DC were 5 and 6. I only took clothes, so we had to do without a fridge or washing machine etc. for a while because I had to buy beds first! I won’t lie, it wasn’t easy. Sometimes the responsibility felt terrifying, but we got through it. I guess I could do it again if I had to.

PyongyangKipperbang · 06/12/2024 22:28

ChicRaven · 06/12/2024 20:22

If your partner left you, would you be able to move away and live alone, financially supporting yourself? This isn't based on what you would get out of a divorce because in this scenario you wouldn't have that security.

Two questions there.

Could I do it? Yes. Would I do it? Yes if I had to and I would do my best to make it work but I wouldnt be happy about it.

peachgreen · 06/12/2024 22:17

When DH died I lost the house but was able to buy something smaller. I’ll never be financially dependent on anyone again.

Doggymummar · 06/12/2024 22:15

I did it three times so yes I could do it again.

ZZTopGuitarSolo · 06/12/2024 22:14

I could now but when my kids were young I’d have struggled to pay for housing and childcare/holiday camp out of my salary alone, and I was on a pretty good salary. (The way the question is phrased I’m assuming those would all be my costs to bear.)

GreatTheCat · 06/12/2024 22:13

Yes. I learnt early on to have a running away fund and I earn well.
Plus the house is mine.

Spanielsaremad · 06/12/2024 22:10

Absolutely. I've built up a professional career rather than a job so earn good money. I've never wanted to feel vulnerable and reliant on a man.

MyOtherCarisAVauxhallZafira · 06/12/2024 22:09

ChicRaven · 06/12/2024 20:22

If your partner left you, would you be able to move away and live alone, financially supporting yourself? This isn't based on what you would get out of a divorce because in this scenario you wouldn't have that security.

Yes I've never been financially dependent on a man. I could also house and support ds

JustWalkingTheDogs · 06/12/2024 22:08

Yes I could.

I've been married before and after a horrid divorce I swore I'd never be financially dependent on someone else, in fact I made sure that not only could provide for myself, but id buy my own house and make sure I have a good pension.

It's the one thing I always make sure I bang home to my dd, that she needs to be financially secure in her own right.

FancyAReallyLongUsernameJustForAChange · 06/12/2024 22:06

I am the sole breadwinner, so absolutely.

AllProperTeaIsTheft · 06/12/2024 22:04

Yes. I earn as much as dh. Our mortgage is nearly paid off and the dc are older teens. My parents would also help me financially if necessary (which hopefully it wouldn't be).

Cazziebo · 06/12/2024 22:03

I did it. Had no income of my own at the time but got a job, got into huge debt, started to pay down our joint debts (he "disappeared") and came out the other side much happier and more secure. DCs were 5 months and 2 yrs old when he left.

You do what you have to do. It was a nightmare and I was a hair breadth's away from having the house repossessed (defaulted on mortgage). A bit of luck, advice from Martin Lewis's MSE website and I got through it.

Honestly, there is nothing better than being financially independent.

GridlockonMain · 06/12/2024 21:55

Yes, I could support myself and my son on my salary.

fivebyfivebuffy · 06/12/2024 21:53

I'm single so yes, I do it every day
Never shared finances with anyone

jensieke · 06/12/2024 21:39

Yes, I did this on my own with just a backpack and a carrier bag in each hand. Made full use of government support, including council housing and benefits. It was all fine, for me it was just a matter of being resourceful and having the pride in myself to go it alone.

SugarAndSpiceIsNice · 06/12/2024 21:18

Yes, I absolutely could. I've worked incredibly hard to ensure that I can provide a comfortable life for myself and my daughter all on my own if I ever need to.
In my opinion, it's very important that women are independent and are able to take care of themselves and their children financially if they ever need to. Being a parent means being responsible for your children. I know many women do not subscribe to this view and that's fine as each to their own.