Will working for my partners business be a bad idea

[Junglejuice29]

I’m 28 and About to leave my stressful job for something less stressful/ part time as im to unwell to work sometimes and running myself into the ground for a company and not getting much back for the work I do. I’ve considered taking a work break for 6 months to just rest and sort the rest of my life out before I head back into a job I’ve have enough savings to support myself not working for 2 years if not more. My partners business is doing so well he’s opening an office in only a 5 month period from starting. He’s looking to hire someone for the type of job role I did already on a part time basis. Would I be mad for working for him he’s asked me and I’ve said I’ll think about it as I don’t want to impact our relationship by it as I’ve seen it happen before to other couples. Would I be mad he’s saying I should take it as he understands my illness and I can also do some of the work from home if needed I don’t have to come in if im unwell etc. I’ve said instead of taking a career break I could help him out And then go back to a job instead of fully being off for 6 months or stay on if it works well and I’m enjoying it.

How long have you been with your partner? Is it long enough that you can tell what he will be like as your manager? Will he be a fair manager or will he expect miracles from you? Will he pay you fairly? Will it be genuine employment with a contract, set salary and working hours, PAYE and pension, or will he expect you to accept cash in hand?

What if you have a row at home, will that affect work? What if you have a row at work, will that affect your home life?

I personally wouldn't do this because he then controls 100% of your life, your finances, your career progression (your reference for a new job)...

There have been a few posts on here over the years about couples where one works for the other and she can't leave (it's always her working for him that I've seen) because she'll lose her job, her home, everything and she can't rent anywhere because they all do an "affordability check" these days and need an employment reference etc. And even if she doesn't want to leave, she's now dependent on his good opinion of her to get paid (and then, often, the payments stop for Dubious Reasons).

It's giving every single aspect of your life to someone else and will potentially completely mess up the power dynamic of your relationship as well.

Came on to say this.

No way would I deliberately make myself this financially vulnerable.

I own my own house outright he has is own house to do im not reliant on him in anyway my dream line of work is what he does but I can’t go back into unless I commute due to competition it wouldn’t be fair on him and no one would employ me as we share the same surname and it’s the local company name I think I will just take 6 months to a year out instead and tell him to get someone else to work for him if you all think it’s a bad idea

I’m financially stable with out working but to live the lifestyle I do at the moment I would need to start work again after 2 years. Or I could cut back and stay off work for ever. He’s a very loving partner and we get on I’ve helped him out here and there in the early days and it worked well but maybe I’m better off just taking time out of work all together. I wouldn’t need to be reliant on him at all for money or work.

I think you need to listen to your gut instinct here. From reading your posts I think your gut is saying yes. I'd therefore go for it but the minute you think it's not working out be honest with your partner and talk/leave. I have a business with my partner and the only problem for me is when we are at home and he wants to talk about work. I often have to remind him that the office door is closed. My work mode switches off much quicker than his!