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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Overtime DP

30 replies

Weddingbells6 · 03/05/2024 15:12

I’m wondering if I’m a bit controlling or if I’m justified in feeling a bit peeved about the way this conversation went.

Partner works full time and I’m on a break from work. We don’t share money so he’s not the breadwinner so to speak, in fact I probably pay the lions share including now I’m off work for a while. 2 kids, one disabled.

he’s been offered overtime at work but rather than say I might do overtime on such and such day, is that going to cause any issues with the kids etc. he’s let me know he’s doing it in the following ways.
1st time “I’m probably doing overtime the next couple of days.” And then not said he definitely is or isn’t or how long for, just a comment during the day “Don’t forget (hadn’t been actually told for definite or a time at this point) that I’m working until 6pm tonight.”
2nd time I was telling him I had enquired about viewing a house we have been interested in because we agreed I would do that and then he decided to tell me “I’m working blah blah next week.” Bearing in mind I have his shifts written down so try to work anything like the house viewing around him. I did very nicely say to him that it might be nice if he kind of checks in with me before he commits to anything in terms of overtime and of course he acted like I have a massive problem with him doing the overtime and I fully expect to hear “Oh well I won’t do overtime anymore if it’s a problem.” He pulled the old “Well I did say it was available all week.” When I had no way of knowing what hours he would commit to. Because I’ve dared to suggest he just checks in with me before he puts his name down etc.

am I being controlling is it just polite and considerate to check with your OH in advance about these things?

OP posts:
arethereanyleftatall · 03/05/2024 15:56

Make sure the house is just in your name then op if it's your money.

Weddingbells6 · 03/05/2024 15:57

arethereanyleftatall · 03/05/2024 15:52

OF COURSE he should run it by you. It's called respect. AND the money he is earning is family money to be shared because he can only achieve it if you are doing the joint childcare.

I’m so pleased you said that! I didn’t want to get completely roasted but I do feel like it’s only manners and respect to check in with your OH when agreeing to be out of the house for longer if children are involved. Like you say it relies on me parenting solo. Just to be clear I absolutely would have said no worries but I would like to be asked but not in a permission way more of a “Is it okay…” with the expectation that there isn’t likely to be any big problems with it most of the time.

OP posts:
Weddingbells6 · 03/05/2024 15:57

arethereanyleftatall · 03/05/2024 15:56

Make sure the house is just in your name then op if it's your money.

Oh don’t you worry, I’ve already taken legal advice.

OP posts:
Weddingbells6 · 03/05/2024 15:59

Catza · 03/05/2024 15:50

I think this is the issue. A relationship where you have to ask permission (and this is what you are doing and want him to do) is not a particularly healthy one. We do check things with each other but I am much more likely to phrase it as "are you planning to do X,Y,Z on the A,B,C day" rather than "is it OK if I...". So I would ask "are you working on Saturday" before going ahead to book a hair appointment. Or I will say "I am booking the dog into vets, when is convenient for you to take her".
It's a subtle change in wording, but the difference is immense.

Right okay. I need to work on this then perhaps. It will take some doing I think but I can see your point.

OP posts:
arethereanyleftatall · 03/05/2024 15:59

Good.

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