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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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AIBU to leave my husband over his job?

1000 replies

Poptart22 · 20/05/2026 06:38

Am I being unreasonable to end my marriage because my husband won’t change his job?

DH works away constantly, sometimes 3/4 nights per week. We have a 3 year old toddler, 3 large rescue dogs and 2 cats. I work a very demanding job that includes 2 evenings per week. The impact him being away has on me is huge. I have to manage every early wake-up and refusal to sleep from our 3 year old alone, feed everyone, walk the dogs, manage all the daily household jobs and still be present at work. I am constantly overwhelmed, overstimulated and in survival mode and it massively impacts my mental health. I barely sleep when he’s away. Lately due to my working late done nights, my elderly parents have been forced to come over and help out at my husbands request, which puts a massive strain on them. My father has hip problems and struggles to walk but has had to walk our dogs and my mother has had to help bath my son. My mother still works herself and is exhausted. We do have a dog walker 3 mornings a week but this is expensive and we can’t afford it on the evenings too.

I have repeatedly asked him to consider changing jobs as his current role is putting me under so much pressure. He refuses and is adamant he won’t quit.

When he does return I’m so full of resentment I don’t want to be near him, then he gets upset.

We have had 3 sessions of couples therapy but it’s done nothing to address the resentment.

I feel so over it and like I don’t matter.

OP posts:
the7Vabo · 20/05/2026 14:04

OneQuirkyPanda · 20/05/2026 14:01

She’s had to work less hours because he chose a job that means he’s away from home a lot of the week, a job that doesn’t pay any more than his previous job where he was at home.

There’s no benefit to OP with him doing this job compared to his previous one or a different one, yet it’s putting a huge amount of strain on her as a lot of the time she’s living as a single parent because he’s not there to share the load. She’s discussed this with him at length and his solution is to pass some of the burden onto her elderly parents so he can continue to stay away from the family home, so it’s no wonder she’s resentful.

Again she specifically said she wants to work less to spend time with her 3 year old. She could, as I did, put the 3 year old in full time child care. And then if she was paying more of the bills she’d be a better position to tell her DH what jobs he can’t do.

I work with a single parent. Her ex isnt paying 2/3 of her bills nor there most nights most weeks doing 50%. She is not a single parent.

Ih8ppl · 20/05/2026 14:04

You'd leave your husband before you'd rehome 5 animals!? YABVU.

BrotherViolence · 20/05/2026 14:05

Shoola · 20/05/2026 13:47

If you get divorced, you will be in the same situation but worse off financially. I would find a good babysitter. Your child will be in school soon which will also give you a bit more time.

However, the fact that you are more horrified about ditching the dogs than you are about ditching the husband suggests that the marriage is probably doomed.

Seems more horrified at the idea of rehoming the three large dogs than the idea that their child is living in an unsafe situation, tbh, so none of this seems very rational.

Never2many · 20/05/2026 14:06

Wanting to end a marriage because of dogs is absolute madness.

That aside, the reality is that giving up a marriage where the partner is responsible for the majority of the income will mean having to go to work full-time, you certainly shouldn’t be claiming benefits to enable you to stay home. Working full-time will mean you’ll have to get (and pay for) a dog walker for dogs who realistically will be dead within ten years and then you’ll be single parent to a teenager. Good luck with that.

The grass really isn’t greener.

Honestly I’d be far more concerned about three large rescues from abroad with a toddler when it’s well known that rescues from abroad are often volatile, badly socialised and fraught with problems.

And I’m an animal lover who generally wouldn’t have an issue with dogs and small children, but I absolutely would have an issue with a rescue from abroad (which I think should be banned anyway) with such a small child.

Ih8ppl · 20/05/2026 14:06

Poptart22 · 20/05/2026 06:53

I would never rehome my pets, I adore them. We got them before he started this. The dogs get an abundance of love and are very happy. They get an hours walk in the morning and a half hour every evening without fail. I’m not someone who just gives up on animals. What an awful thing to say.

You would sooner leave your husband and have your child grow up in a broken home because you adore your animals!? This is a wind up. 🤯

Moroccocococo · 20/05/2026 14:08

BudgetBuster · 20/05/2026 13:45

Well no... she's happy to get rid of the husband, go part time with her child but won't even consider removing the dogs she can't actually properly care for?

Gosh this is boring... She clearly can care for the dogs and is doing a great job with her child. Her husband is being massively selfish in his decision making over work. It isn't fair and the OP is struggling with this. How would you feel if you'd repeatedly told your husband that you were hugely struggling with the uneven distribution of responsibilities and he just shrugged, didn't do anything about it and then sauntered off TO A FUCKING HOTEL for a few nights a week?!

Also, again - dogs and child were a joint decision. The change in job came after they were around.

VeterinaryCareAssistant · 20/05/2026 14:10

Imdunfer · 20/05/2026 08:33

I don't understand how you are walking three large dogs and a 3 year old for an hour in the morning when your partner isn't home?

Probably they get in the car, drive to a location, get out the car and walk funnily enough.

Pikachu150 · 20/05/2026 14:11

the7Vabo · 20/05/2026 14:01

Why does she get to decide that he’s the main earner and she is staying at home with their child while also saying he can only WFH?

He can only WFH for how long? Until
the dogs die? He’s not a young man, many people on their 50s find it hard to get chances in work. Maybe he doesn’t have many other chances of being promoted.

Why are people so determined to support this one sided narrative oh one day he just upped & decided to live in hotel rooms isn’t it well for him!

My life was fairly easy when I had one child, there’s no sense of perspective or proportion around any of it.

Did she unilaterally decide to work part time or was that a discussion between both of them and based on what is best for their child? I agree not reasonable to insist he works from home but totally reasonable to expect the other parent to work locally so they are there in the mornings or evenings.

1980isitjustme · 20/05/2026 14:12

Gosh you’ve had a tough time here OP. It sounds like the division of labour is very unfair and I can’t understand someone wanting to be away from home 3 nights a week-hotels are boring!

You are obviously very committed to the dogs. Is your husband? What would your husband’s response be if you called his bluff and told him you were going to get rid of the dogs because you can’t do it all alone? Would it make him consider alternative jobs/working arrangements?

ammf05 · 20/05/2026 14:14

Omg you sound so stressed & I don’t think some of our replies are helping you.
how about a different suggestion, explain to him again that you are really stressed out & need something like he has each week ie time away from the family stresses. I note you work from home, could you work from your parents house for a few days. Or stay with them & work from an office space in town. I wouldn’t suggest every week but a few days every now and again, so that you get some calm time & he gets to see how full/busy your days are?

Pikachu150 · 20/05/2026 14:14

the7Vabo · 20/05/2026 14:04

Again she specifically said she wants to work less to spend time with her 3 year old. She could, as I did, put the 3 year old in full time child care. And then if she was paying more of the bills she’d be a better position to tell her DH what jobs he can’t do.

I work with a single parent. Her ex isnt paying 2/3 of her bills nor there most nights most weeks doing 50%. She is not a single parent.

I presume OP also thinks it better for their child to not be in childcare full time. That is why I did it. It seems beyond the comprehension of some people on mumsnet that dome people work part time for their child's benefit rather than their own.

Imdunfer · 20/05/2026 14:15

VeterinaryCareAssistant · 20/05/2026 14:10

Probably they get in the car, drive to a location, get out the car and walk funnily enough.

Oh I'm splitting my sides laughing at your wit.

There is no safe way for one woman to walk three large dogs and a toddler.

As it happens, she uses a dog walker, but thanks for your contribution.

speakout · 20/05/2026 14:15

You have a dog problem- not a husband problem.

PuppiesProzacProsecco · 20/05/2026 14:17

Ah OP you're getting a hard time here. I totally get where you're coming from but I can also see others POV in having a go at you.

I too have rescue dogs - was 3 but down to 2 since last year and mine are a medium sized but high maintenance breed - and, like you, I'd never consider rehoming or euthanasia. But they're hard work. And expensive. I committed to them though and I'll see it through. So I get that part.

DH and I both work full-time, he works long hours (often gone from 7am to 10pm) and my job is high stress. We have a tween (just wait 🙈) and I also do all the mental load/school stuff.

But as PPs have pointed out, even though I often want to punch him in the face feel resentful, I know that my only options are for us to have less money and him to resent me or for us to split up. Which also means less money. And probably not much more free time for me.

Your dogs won't be here forever. Your little boy won't be 3 forever. Talk to DH and tell him you need more help. Or leave and take your chances. Your AIBU is about leaving your husband because of his job - you can leave him for any reason you choose.

tachetastic · 20/05/2026 14:18

Poptart22 · 20/05/2026 06:45

If we split I appreciate things would be hard for me but I wouldn’t be living in a constant state of anger and resentment. Also I would have regular breaks if he had part time custody of our child. The dogs would have to stay with me as he’s not around enough to look after them.

So the issue is not actually the burden on you @Poptart22 , as you know this is unlikely to change. It's the fact you feel anger and resentment towards your husband.

That is reasonable and you probably should divorce if you are living in a state of constant anger. That is not healthy.

I can't help thinking you would still feel anger and resentment towards him when you're looking after the toddler and walking the dogs in the rain while he lives in a lovely tidy flat.

Does he really do absolutely nothing, so there is no positive aspect of him being around? If not, do it.

Whyarentyoureadyyet · 20/05/2026 14:18

Honestly I’d be far more concerned about three large rescues from abroad with a toddler when it’s well known that rescues from abroad are often volatile, badly socialised and fraught with problems.

Agree. It's hugely irresponsible in combination with a young child. And that's before we get into what a huge drain on family finances and well being they clearly are

OneQuirkyPanda · 20/05/2026 14:20

the7Vabo · 20/05/2026 14:04

Again she specifically said she wants to work less to spend time with her 3 year old. She could, as I did, put the 3 year old in full time child care. And then if she was paying more of the bills she’d be a better position to tell her DH what jobs he can’t do.

I work with a single parent. Her ex isnt paying 2/3 of her bills nor there most nights most weeks doing 50%. She is not a single parent.

I’m not sure Im following your argument here tbh, OP’s issue is that this job he has chosen, where he is away from home a lot is entirely optional and of no real benefit compared to the one he had previously where he was working from home. It leaves her alone a significant amount of time to look after their child, pets and the house, which is causing her stress.

Your argument is that because she works less hours she has no say and should just be grateful he’s provides a wage, and if she’s struggling she should just spend less time with her child?

Why shouldn’t he as her husband and the father to their child consider the effect his job is having on his wife and family and pick a role more suitable for family life?

She’s not asking him to sacrifice his career, she’s asking him change jobs (but same role and pay) so that he can spend more time with his family and help take the pressure off her and her elderly parents. How is that unreasonable?

Tontostitis · 20/05/2026 14:21

FairKoala · 20/05/2026 07:24

Why don’t you go away for a few days when dh is back. Let him see the reality.

Tell him to deal with everything. Every time he has to go away, you get that amount of time away and he has to step up

Until he lives the reality he has no idea and probably thinks you are over exaggerating.

Go to see your parents for a few days each week whilst he deals with it all.

He's 51 with a 3 year old he knows the reality of his over complicated exhausting life that why he works away as much as possible

VeterinaryCareAssistant · 20/05/2026 14:24

SUperchange · 20/05/2026 08:56

Fifty yr old man works at his career and gets promotion, Well done him, that is becoming more difficult these days. Instead of being at home he has to spend many nights away from home, wife and his son. The majority reaction here is that he is 'off on a jolly'. FFS he is continuing his career he hasn't moved to Disney! Maybe his next promotion will get him back to base not travelling so much.
OP is developing her career/business and doing all the other things she lists.
Where I in that situation the priorities would be Child, Careers/ Business. Also acknowledge that careers will provide for the DC. How old will the adults be when chid is Uni age?
Only the parents can contribute to the child. The animals cannot contribute, they are taking money and time away from the child. How much money do you spend on the animals? That should be the DC's education fund,
Get rid of animals.

Pets are family not just to be seen as things which take finances away from children. As long as children are cared for they do need to be on a pedestal of high importance and world revolvement. Not every single spare household penny is for the children.

OneQuirkyPanda · 20/05/2026 14:30

It’s depressing how many people think nothing of getting rid of their pets because they’re not convenient anymore. Dogs aren’t objects to be discarded or sold at your convenience. I hope everyone who is pressuring OP into rehoming her rescue dogs has no pets of their own.

andweallsingalong · 20/05/2026 14:32

I voted YA both BU for putting your parents in a position where they felt they HAD to help and you for handing the dogs over to your dad who was in no fit state to walk them.

If DH was doing this job before the IVF and you didn't ask him to change jobs then, then YABU.

It's only half the week, you are overwhelmed and can't see the wood for the trees.

It's time to buy in help.

Get a dog walker 5 days a week for the afternoon walk to cover DH's share.

Get a sitter 2 evenings a week to look after your toddler. Hell, get them an extra evening so you and DH can go on a date and reconnect.

Visit your parents for tea once a week to give you a break from cooking and 2 extra pairs of hands with DS.

DS won't be 3 forever and it sounds like otherwise a good marriage. You are overwhelmed, it will pass. Can you both take leave and DH lead on the childcare to recharge your batteries?

Dandelyon · 20/05/2026 14:37

Poptart22 · 20/05/2026 07:03

Wow, what a friendly community this is 🙄 I’ll ask somewhere else.

They’re on every thread, just ignore them, it’s probably the only kick they get.

tartyflette · 20/05/2026 14:38

LoveOldFilms · 20/05/2026 06:54

But you're very ready to give up on your family for them.

Actually it sounds like she is ready to give up her husband, and who can blame her?
He is the one who is not contributing to family life.

EuroNotVision · 20/05/2026 14:39

Fuck me you’re getting a hard time @Poptart22 of course he can choose a different job. Mu DH did that for us to be there in the evenings and nights

GFBurger · 20/05/2026 14:43

This sounds so stressful and difficult to manage.

You are in the eye of the storm. School will come and you might get a few 30 minutes slots to yourself. However to get to that point I do think you have to get more dog walking and get your husband to pay for it. He may say he has no more money but he should sacrifice as you are sacrificing.

And he needs to buy in the support if you don’t have it elsewhere. It isn’t fair on you and you didn’t sign up to this.

I don’t think leaving him would help tbh. You are already leading a single life. He needs to step up when he is at home and make sure you have the support you need before you break.

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