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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
KittyFinlay · 15/12/2025 12:54

I'm really confused as to why you earn more but he contributes more financially and you do all the chores? This is back-to-front. It's like you're trying to imitate some imagined "traditional" family, despite it obviously making no sense.

No wonder he's taking on extra work if he's paying for everything despite earning less.

No wonder you're tired if you're doing a high level job and single parenting at the same time.

BuddhaAtSea · 15/12/2025 18:46

KittyFinlay · 15/12/2025 12:54

I'm really confused as to why you earn more but he contributes more financially and you do all the chores? This is back-to-front. It's like you're trying to imitate some imagined "traditional" family, despite it obviously making no sense.

No wonder he's taking on extra work if he's paying for everything despite earning less.

No wonder you're tired if you're doing a high level job and single parenting at the same time.

Because he’s compensating would be my guess.
And because she’s smart and knows her worth.

Hope you’re in the Alps @Hfox , having tartiflette and champers xx

Maddyisqueen · 15/12/2025 18:50

You lost me at second home..

many people don’t even have one - do t be greedy

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