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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is this a red flag?

131 replies

DowntonTrout · 19/01/2024 11:02

I'll try and be succinct at the risk of being accused of drip feeding but this is complicated.

DP of 3 years after I had a harrowing divorce.
Moved 2.5 hours from everything I knew to relocate with him and support his aging parents. FIL has since died, MIL with dementia.
Huge task of clearing their previous home to make it saleable . They hoarded everything for 25 years and it will take months.

I had a management role in retail which was completely inflexible and a lot of responsibility. DP a teacher working 4 days. We had no time together and It was miserable so I resigned with the intention of taking on more of the house clearing and supporting his mum in her new home to try and keep her independent as long as possible. DP said he would support me, we would manage financially.

A new job has literally been dropped in my lap. Twice what I ever earned, remote wfh, no set hours, unlimited paid holiday. US company so some time required to liaise with staff with a time difference so some evening meetings etc but largely left to my own devices. I wasn't looking and never imagined I could or would be offered such an opportunity.

DP came down this morning after being quiet for 2 days. He's not in favour. Says he's worried about how it will impact us and our home will become my office. He won't be able to relax in the evenings, the hours won't match his etc, etc.

I'm disappointed because he's made it all about him. I was excited, if a little scared but I do see it wasn't the plan and will take some adjustment. I also wouldn't be able to be as much help with MIL although I would have much more time than I did in my previous job. I do accept we had an agreement going forward and I would be completely going back on it and we don't need the money to get by but it would make a huge difference.

I also think, whilst we are engaged but not married, I currently have no security and actually, I don't want to be totally reliant on anyone again after my divorce (emotionally controlling ex H) I suspect DP is also feeling a little insecure at the prospect of me taking this on.

Is this a red flag? AIBU in considering it as it would impact our lives or AINBU because it shouldn't have to be me that gives up everything to fit around DP's job and family commitments?

(Both have grown up DCs, not living with us. Own home outright with no mortgage, split 60/40 in my favour if any of that is relevant )

OP posts:
Daleksatemyshed · 19/01/2024 18:16

I can see you aren't the naive little soul some posters think you are Op, but there are a few things that need looking at, not necessarily red flags but things that need addressing. I'm uneasy about your DP not wanting you to take your dream job, mainly it seems because it will impact him, if it's OK for him to do markings in the evening then why shouldn't you work then? Frankly, until or unless you marry, a lot of his baggage is not your problem to deal with, it's far to easy to pick up the slack for him and for that to become an entitlement rather than you doing him a favour.
I understand why you've got involved with his DM's care, once you've seen someone have dementia you spot the signs so quickly, and as you say, it all goes down hill really fast and you want to intervene but, and it's a serious issue, you are not family, you need to pass this problem back where it belongs, with her sons.

AnneKipankitoo · 19/01/2024 18:26

I have read your comments OP.
The only thing that matters is if it is a red flag to y
you.

DowntonTrout · 19/01/2024 21:33

It's sorted.

I'm taking the job.

Smile
OP posts:
Thelnebriati · 19/01/2024 21:39

Thats great news. Good luck with your new job!

GenXisthebest · 19/01/2024 21:39

Good news OP Smile

AnneKipankitoo · 19/01/2024 21:43

Perfect !

FineWordsForAPorcupine · 19/01/2024 21:48

that's brilliant!

I hope your DP snaps out of his grump and realises what a great thing this is for you

poetryandwine · 19/01/2024 22:05

Great news, OP!

Crikeyalmighty · 19/01/2024 22:25

@MondayTuesdayWednesday thanks for explaining- that's what concerned me!!

Crikeyalmighty · 19/01/2024 22:26

@DowntonTrout thanks for explaining- I get it now!!

Motherofpearlxoxo · 19/01/2024 22:29

Huge red flag. leave him. Congrats on the job offer

Crikeyalmighty · 19/01/2024 22:33

@DowntonTrout and any moaning- tell him to get a life

declutteringmymind · 19/01/2024 22:37

How exciting for you. Glad it's working out.

ArnieLinson · 19/01/2024 22:37

DowntonTrout · 19/01/2024 21:33

It's sorted.

I'm taking the job.

Smile

Fab. It sounds like he wants you to be his support act.

EverybodyLTB · 19/01/2024 22:43

Just got to the end and pretty much whooped when I read you’re taking the job! Don’t marry this guy, stay independent, you have too much to lose. You’ve already invested more than is reasonable and fair. The moving the goalposts was so justified in the situation, as the goalposts in place were absolute bullshit. Good on you!

Toberlerone · 19/01/2024 22:45

Great news @DowntonTrout! What helped you make up your mind?

bluejelly · 19/01/2024 22:55

Well done! I was about to suggest strongly that you did and great to see you have ☺️

Soozikinzii · 19/01/2024 22:56

Well done uou know you must take the job and MiL.will have to have paid carers or go in a home. You can't sacrificë your career you have a right to a life as well.

slore · 19/01/2024 23:01

Good. Your partner was disgustingly selfish for ever trying to put you off of this brilliant opportunity.

At the end of the day his mother isn't your responsibility in the slightest, and he should be kissing your feet for taking this load off of him. Not trying to enslave you further by preventing your employment.

Popcorn23 · 19/01/2024 23:03

Just edited my post now I have seen you took the job - thank goodness!

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 19/01/2024 23:10

My main worry with this set up would be that his mum dies and he turns to you and says 'off you pop'. Where would that leave you?

Take the job. By all means reassure him, but I think you're leaving yourself open to all kinds of abuses by taking on the nursing and care of a woman you aren't related to who could die and leave everything to your partner who could then, in turn, leave you with nothing, running off into the sunset with his inheritance and his share of your house.

Grimchmas · 19/01/2024 23:14

I'm so relieved that you are taking the job! Xx

Bigcat25 · 20/01/2024 00:37

Expecting you to do the unpaid work of looking after his mom is ridiculous. He is fine with you giving up your income, moving, and now wants you to give up a lucrative job you're super excited about? You aren't married and have no security. He is the one who will benefit, as his inheritance will be bigger as he doesn't have to pay for round the clock care.

Have you looked into the cost of 24/7 home care? You have saved them a fortune and he doesn't seem to appreciate it. What does he bring to the table?

Youcannotbeseriousreally · 20/01/2024 08:03

DowntonTrout · 19/01/2024 21:33

It's sorted.

I'm taking the job.

Smile

Awesome OP! Best of luck

HalebiHabibti · 20/01/2024 08:09

Glad to hear it OP.

Are you staying with your partner? It may come down to a choice between him or job, and honestly it sounds like you'd be better off with thr job.

I hope the money to cover his mum's carer is not coming from your new salary.