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AIBU?

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Husband keeps working

153 replies

Hfox · 24/10/2025 10:37

Both DH and I work full-time. He pays the mortgage and almost all of the bills, while I work from home and take care of around 90% of the childcare. I don’t even put the kids in after-school clubs because they can be home while I work.
DH usually gets home quite late, around 10–11 PM — either because he’s working extra hours or spending time on his hobby. He has two days off during the week, and I’ve repeatedly asked him to let me work undisturbed on those days since I already take so many breaks to manage the kids on the other three.
He doesn’t expect me to contribute equally financially, and I do help where needed. I actually earn more than him, so I cover larger expenses like mortgage overpayments, buying a second property, and paying for holidays which are things that benefit both of us.
The issue is that he keeps taking on extra work even on his days off. It feels like the day-to-day responsibilities fall entirely on me, and we rarely spend any quality time together. I’ve even thought about offering him more financial help so he wouldn’t feel the need to work extra, but I know he’ll continue doing it anyway so it feels pointless.
We’re financially comfortable, and he doesn’t spend money on himself or any vices , it all goes toward the family. But I’d much rather he spent some of that time with us instead. I’m honestly at my wits’ end because I don’t see how things will improve.
I’ve even thought about leaving, but I know our lifestyle would change drastically if I did. He works incredibly hard, and while I admire that, I don’t see why we both have to keep pushing ourselves so much at this stage in life. We’re both 40 now, and I just wish we could slow down and actually enjoy the life we’ve worked so hard to build.
The above makes him look good but he's got horrible communication skills and never tells me what he's planning when such as booking work etc. Can someone please advise what I can do here?

OP posts:
MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 24/10/2025 10:43

Why on earth doesn't he expect you to contribute equally financially if you earn more than he does?

Your entire set up sounds nuts to me. Can't you both pay a proportionate amount of your salary to cover household costs? And pay for proper childcare while you're at it, so that you're not trying to juggle everything at once?

BuddhaAtSea · 24/10/2025 10:41

Well, he doesn’t like you, does he? Doesn’t sound like you’re anything more than an appliance or a hired help to him.
You shouldn’t be in this position. Raise your bar.

Hfox · 24/10/2025 10:38

oh I forgot to add that he just 'stone walls' me when I try to communicate my frustration with him.

OP posts: