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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Working for your partner

34 replies

Grimes88 · 23/01/2025 20:45

Moved to Scotland from Cumbria way because I'd met someone really special and over a few months the long distance thing wasn't working for either of us, had no strings, friends and family were all supportive, so took a jump and moved! It's been generally really good. We got engaged, been together 2.5 years. I had planned on getting a job there ASAP, I'd been a PA most of my life but left that job ready for the move. I was panicking a bit because I was looking for work but absolutely nothing was happening, they don't really have a big 'corporate' vibe here in the Highlands so jobs in my 'field' were close to non existent. He told me relax, don't worry about it too much, you can help me with my business doing admin whilst you look for work, various bits of paperwork, invoicing, a pretty big mix of support etc. but now the job is creeping more into 4 full days a week and and I admit I've allowed the job role to get bigger. I've got loads of plans for how to do things better and move the business forward and he's all on board with that, he's really happy with all the support and to be honest I am getting really stuck into it. He pays me and it all ticks along really well...

HOWEVER

Am I being really fucking cheeky when I ask things like, can you make me a part of your company? Or like, can I have more stability, more weight to my role and the business, like add me as a director or something, not even for money but so I have some level of stability even because at this stage I'm now financially dependent on him AND am very involved with the business, so I just feel like I've leaving myself wide open.

OP posts:
stanleypops66 · 24/01/2025 08:36

@FinallyHere

Every company needs to have two adults as director, who is currently the other director?

Not true. I am the sole company director in my company.

stanleypops66 · 24/01/2025 08:35

After 2.5 years I wouldn't make someone a director in my company. As long as you're getting a fair wage for your job I wouldn't push it- unless you're willing to 'buy' into the business.

CoralHare · 24/01/2025 08:33

My auntie and uncle have this set up but she is has shares in the company. They are also married which obviously gives much greater security.

FinallyHere · 24/01/2025 08:26

Meant to say are there any other businesses around that you could help in the similar way to spread your risk a bit?

FinallyHere · 24/01/2025 08:26

Do you want to become a director in order to have your share of dividends? Do you understand the impact they would have on how and how much you were paid and how much tax you paid?

Every company needs to have two adults as director, who is currently the other director?

Giving you a job is one thing, it would be a very big step to give you are part of the business. I'd suggest you have a written agreement on what would happen if you break up. Good luck.

Grimes88 · 23/01/2025 20:58

Runningoutofthyme · 23/01/2025 20:52

How are you being paid?

I get paid every two weeks, from a PAYE report his accountant sends across, I'm 'on the books' etc.

OP posts:
Grimes88 · 23/01/2025 20:56

brawhen · 23/01/2025 20:52

Becoming a director or shareholder I would only consider if you are sure sure sure you are with him for the long term. I run a business with my DH - we've come out of it OK but at rocky times in our relationship there was definitely the pressure to stay together because we were tied together by the business. It's not an easy situation to be in.

However, definitely make sure he/the business is paying you well for the work you do - equivalent of what you would get on open market, and including pension etc. Do not be used as cheap labour when you have no other security from it.

Yeah I haven't thought about things like this, naively. I get too stuck in and emotionally invested into my work, so I haven't actually come for air (until now) and thought, wait a minute, there's a bigger picture to this...

Thanks for your comment, really helpful 😊

OP posts:
Runningoutofthyme · 23/01/2025 20:52

How are you being paid?

brawhen · 23/01/2025 20:52

Becoming a director or shareholder I would only consider if you are sure sure sure you are with him for the long term. I run a business with my DH - we've come out of it OK but at rocky times in our relationship there was definitely the pressure to stay together because we were tied together by the business. It's not an easy situation to be in.

However, definitely make sure he/the business is paying you well for the work you do - equivalent of what you would get on open market, and including pension etc. Do not be used as cheap labour when you have no other security from it.