When we've discussed the possibility of her returning to work I think she worries that:
She would lose her independence and the ability to choose how she spends her time, which has become an important part of her identity.
The whole dynamic of our household and family life would change, and that uncertainty feels overwhelming.
She is a very feminine, creative, romantic person and something of a dreamer. Much of her identity has revolved around creating a home, making memories for our children, organising family life, and looking after those around her. I genuinely value all of those things.
Surely she and you can appreciate that this is a lifestyle that MILLIONS of people would like?
Work when you feel like it, total flexibility, sit at home dreaming, wishing your freelance work with pick up if only those algorithms would get cracking on it etc.
But millions of people can't indulge that attitude (or dream) because it doesn't pay the bills.
What you are describing is a woman approaching 50 who wants to do just as she pleases, to the extent it impacts on you, creates stress around money, and is pushing you into debt.
You can describe it as 'being feminine (whatever that means!), creative and romantic'. But it's actually selfishness. And immaturity.
And when you call her out on it, she gaslights you - making out you're the baddie. Emotional blackmail. So you start to doubt yourself.
There are plenty of women who create a home, bring up the kids, organise the home AND WORK. Most don't have a choice of one or the other.
Spending a long time in a relationship is not a good enough reason to keep on spending time with that person if it's not working. (Read about the 'sunk cost fallacy' and cognitive distortion.)
What I struggle to understand is why, when I raise the need for more financial support or ask whether she might consider contributing in some way, she feels unvalued.
Stop trying to understand. There is no connection. Her way of trying to defend her behaviour is to try to make you feel guilty.
Maybe what you are facing is long term incompatibility which is now becoming more clear once you have reached a financial crunch point. She won't accept responsibility, she won't change, she won't meet you half way, she won't rein in the spending.
She has already told you she thinks she may not love you, would walk away if she could, so what else do you need to hear?
It's time to start accepting the reality of your relationship- not what you thought it was, not what you hoped it would be, not how she might change, but how it really is.
The alternative is to waste the rest of your life with a woman who doesn't care about you.