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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

DH and career, salary

309 replies

hjliu8999 · 16/05/2022 11:31

To preface this with, this issue is not new and has been a source of tension between DH and I ever since we got together decades ago. But just had yet another fight with DH regarding his job and whether he should look for something else.

He's been in his current position for three years now, no salary increase and no promotion - and realistically it just wont happen, they said so. I've been trying to encourage him to move on. He admits he doesnt like his job or sector so it's not like he loves it or anything but just doesn't know how to look for anything else.

And frankly am fed up. We used to live abroad where he was in the same position for ten years - no promotion and just inflationary salary increases. We came back due to my job so he found the first thing he could and basically it's the same thing. But by now we have DC and London is really expensive (his current job is also half the money he earned abroad). By now he's 42 so time is not exactly on his side. And I appreciate that 55k is not nothing, but he has three degrees and is working in a professional job.

From my side I do work full time - in the sector that he used to work in and by now earn more than he does. But it's a public sector ish job and I wont be able to find anything in the private sector (those jobs just dont exist). Realistically my pay progression is rubbish (max I will ever earn is probably 70kish) but I do have a lot more flexibility and annual leave so do more of the childcare.

Am just really fed up. With the cost of living going up along with interest rates - we have a big mortgage - and I dont know how to convince DH that he needs to find something else. He accuses me of wanting him to earn more money - like thats a bad thing or something. Am I being unreasonable or is he? Any tips on how to change things.

OP posts:
Tigofigo · 17/05/2022 19:39

I'd tell him as a start that you no longer want to listen to him moaning about his job when it's in his control to change things. Fair enough perhaps if he's putting in effort applying for new roles and interviewing where he can - but he's not.

AnotherEmma · 17/05/2022 19:45

OP, the more you post, the clearer it becomes that he is dragging you down massively and it seems like a very unhealthy, unhappy relationship. Sad Flowers

readsalotgirl63 · 17/05/2022 20:01

I have a friend who met her DH at university. She has been very successful career wise while he entered a different profession and did not climb the ladder This was a deliberate decision to enable my friend to focus on her career - she was more ambitious so he picked up the domestic slack and did lots of the childcare. He was never anything but supportive and she admits she couldn't have done so well without his support. Incidentally he could have been the higher earner. That's a supportive partnership.

readsalotgirl63 · 17/05/2022 20:02

You deserve better op

FlissyPaps · 17/05/2022 20:38

Haven’t read the full thread. But YABU OP.

Id move out of London if I was you. Get something cheaper if you’re worried your current earnings won’t be able to cover a big mortgage.

Testina · 17/05/2022 22:49

FlissyPaps · 17/05/2022 20:38

Haven’t read the full thread. But YABU OP.

Id move out of London if I was you. Get something cheaper if you’re worried your current earnings won’t be able to cover a big mortgage.

Yeah. You kind of need to. What’s the point in posting this on page 13 when there’s obviously lots more to know than just the first post. 🤷🏻‍♀️

misterm · 19/05/2022 03:59

It's not unreasonable to want to improve!

I make 200K (US dollars) and my wife makes between 65 and 70K, and I tell her she needs to level up both in title and pay (especially when I catch her watching Asian soap operas during work time LOL).

Just tell him in a gentle and caring way, and sometimes you may need to take the extra step in helping him level up his skills (obtain a new certificate, send out applications, or even a entirely new degree).

MissTrip82 · 19/05/2022 04:30

So he doesn’t support your success, doesn’t chase his own, and is the kind of hypocritical wanker who doesn’t want to sully his hands with capitalist enterprise but enjoys expensive gyms and overseas holidays.

Do you love him? Or like him even?

BowerOfBramble · 20/05/2022 14:58

How are you doing OP?

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