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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

DH hobby job and my terminal illness

234 replies

roundandroundthegarden123 · 20/12/2025 19:17

this is a long one and I’ve not posted before so please be kind. My DH has had a job which involves a lot of talent (think woodwork) but has never made lots of money. Hes never saved and I’ve always paid for most things. He can work in other capacities during the week but chooses to do it at weekends (6/8) weekend days a month.

He has done this since my eldest was born (10 years old). We have an 8 and 3 year old. One child has complex medical needs and other is autistic. I really struggle to leave the house with the 3 of them alone. On top of this I’ve recently been diagnosed with a life limiting condition.

Ive been begging him to change jobs for years to no avail. He tells me he’s sick of hearing me moan about it and he won’t change. I work full time week days when the children are at school/nursery and pay 50% mortgage, all of the bills, childcare, food, petrol, holidays, presents, meals out, etc. He pays 50% mortgage and that’s it - but he often dips into the joint account for stock for his job so doesn’t quite end up 50% and I need to top the mortgage up.

Im really tired and have employed a carer to help at weekends, but it’s not the same as spending time as a family. We’ve had a blazing row where he’s basically told me I’ve got to just put up with it. When I told him how I felt and how I haven’t got long left to live and want to spend time as a family he said he’s sick of hearing the same thing and ‘what are you going to do about it then?’. He said I’m like a broken record.

Ive asked for nothing from him and have continued to work since my diagnosis, so that we can afford everything. Hes been encouraging me to take more work on too. I feel used and said I don’t want to do this anymore. He’s reminded me that it we divorce I’ll ’have to do the weekends by myself anyway as he will refuse’

Im thinking of refusing further life prolonging treatment as I just don’t want to live like this anymore. I love my kids and I’m so scared what will happen when I’m not here

OP posts:
cestlavielife · 20/12/2025 19:21

What is the timeline (sorry to ask) eg several years?
Dyu have life insurance? Eg will house be paid off?
Maybe time to step off working and spend time as you wish if the insurance pay out will cover mortgage etc.
He wil be forced to step up...is there wider family?

arethereanyleftatall · 20/12/2025 19:21

I’m not understanding what value this arsehole is bringing to your life? I can absolutely see what value you are bringing to your kids lives - everything - but not him.

TemporarilyCantDoMyself · 20/12/2025 19:24

Oh gosh this is so hard. I'm so very sorry to hear of your diagnosis, apart from anything else you must be so worried about your children.

I think your husband is in massive denial. He needs help to come to terms with what's happening. Is there any support at the hospital that you're under for any of this?
Sending you a big hug. 🫂

Seawolves · 20/12/2025 19:24

What an utter bastard. I am speechless at his comments. Do you have any support at all to negotiate the coming months/years?

333FionaG · 20/12/2025 19:25

He sounds awful. Some life insurance policies pay out for terminal illness, my brother's did when he was diagnosed with cancer. Having the mortgage paid off made a big difference to his finances, and he was then able to have a good quality of life without having to worry about the house being repossessed.

Do you have any other family support?

BreadstickBurglar · 20/12/2025 19:28

He’s a poisonous tosser. But he’s not what your life is all about. Your kids are. Please think about extra time with them and what it’ll mean to them in future. I’m so sorry about your diagnosis.

roundandroundthegarden123 · 20/12/2025 19:30

cestlavielife · 20/12/2025 19:21

What is the timeline (sorry to ask) eg several years?
Dyu have life insurance? Eg will house be paid off?
Maybe time to step off working and spend time as you wish if the insurance pay out will cover mortgage etc.
He wil be forced to step up...is there wider family?

Edited

I have cancer and it’s spread. The goal of treatment is to keep it from spreading further. I have life insurance but not insurance to cover me not working (unless the drs say I have less than 12 months). The house will be paid off and there will be money for him and the children to live on until they are 18 - for that I’m really grateful

OP posts:
anon2022anon · 20/12/2025 19:32

I would tell him that you are divorcing him and naming someone who is willing to care for the children as the beneficiary for your life insurance. If he's not planning on looking after the kids, no way would he be benefitting from my death.

roundandroundthegarden123 · 20/12/2025 19:33

BreadstickBurglar · 20/12/2025 19:28

He’s a poisonous tosser. But he’s not what your life is all about. Your kids are. Please think about extra time with them and what it’ll mean to them in future. I’m so sorry about your diagnosis.

It just really hurts. I feel like a useless mum too as I’m so tired and can’t do anything or go anywhere when I’m spending time with them

OP posts:
Seawolves · 20/12/2025 19:33

You don't owe him that OP, he hasn't been an equal partner in your relationship so why should he get to live off the money you leave behind. I'd take care of the mortgage and leave the rest for the children (and next time he threatens divorce I'd take him up on it!)

Phonicshaskilledmeoff · 20/12/2025 19:36

Im fairly sure that in this situation I would want the children to be the beneficiaries of any life policies.

ForFunGoose · 20/12/2025 19:36

I am so sorry this is all happening to you, it’s so unfair. Do you think he might also be autistic? Sounds like he has limited capacity for dealing with the reality.
In your shoes I would go out from work on medical grounds, research all the resources/ counselling available for before and after(sorry). I would make lists for everyone and everything, set the house up to be run as smooth as possible. Talk to the schools etc

Cut him loose as a support person OP
All you can do is train him to manage in the future.

LoyalMember · 20/12/2025 19:38

What a horrible arsehole. He's been a sponging prick for most of your time together, by the sound of it. Get a divorce quickly while you're fit, and make arrangements and a will to take care of your children. Leave him nothing. Not a penny.

roundandroundthegarden123 · 20/12/2025 19:41

ForFunGoose · 20/12/2025 19:36

I am so sorry this is all happening to you, it’s so unfair. Do you think he might also be autistic? Sounds like he has limited capacity for dealing with the reality.
In your shoes I would go out from work on medical grounds, research all the resources/ counselling available for before and after(sorry). I would make lists for everyone and everything, set the house up to be run as smooth as possible. Talk to the schools etc

Cut him loose as a support person OP
All you can do is train him to manage in the future.

I’ve thought about this. He says that working at the weekend is his ‘break’ and he’s in the house alone all during the week when the kids are at school. He doesn’t like change and doesn’t have friends. But even someone that’s autistic could surely see that this isn’t ok?

OP posts:
arethereanyleftatall · 20/12/2025 19:42

the opposite of your last sentence in the op, I would be taking every prolonging life option available in the hope of your eldest being old enough to bypass their awful father

AquaForce · 20/12/2025 19:42

Oh OP, this is terrible. What a vile creature he is. I'm so sorry you are in this unimaginable position. Sending love to you and your children ❤

arethereanyleftatall · 20/12/2025 19:44

roundandroundthegarden123 · 20/12/2025 19:41

I’ve thought about this. He says that working at the weekend is his ‘break’ and he’s in the house alone all during the week when the kids are at school. He doesn’t like change and doesn’t have friends. But even someone that’s autistic could surely see that this isn’t ok?

So he only works when the kids are home? To avoid them. I think the best thing you can do for your children is to find a better support adult. Family?

Newsenmum · 20/12/2025 19:44

I can’t believe you are going through all of this and how awful he’s being. 😭 Do you have any good friends you can talk to? You shouldnt have to work full time.

Newsenmum · 20/12/2025 19:45

roundandroundthegarden123 · 20/12/2025 19:33

It just really hurts. I feel like a useless mum too as I’m so tired and can’t do anything or go anywhere when I’m spending time with them

You are quite clearly not a useless mum, you’re incredible!

arethereanyleftatall · 20/12/2025 19:45

roundandroundthegarden123 · 20/12/2025 19:41

I’ve thought about this. He says that working at the weekend is his ‘break’ and he’s in the house alone all during the week when the kids are at school. He doesn’t like change and doesn’t have friends. But even someone that’s autistic could surely see that this isn’t ok?

Why are you paying for a 3 year old to be in nursery if their father is at home?

arethereanyleftatall · 20/12/2025 19:47

Newsenmum · 20/12/2025 19:45

You are quite clearly not a useless mum, you’re incredible!

Indeed. It’s unthinkable to me that you would write those things denigrating yourself, when you’re literally being a mother and a father to your children, taking on all the roles of both parents, whilst he does fuck all?

bignewprinz · 20/12/2025 19:48

Fucking hell. I am so so sorry you're going through all this.

Please stick with the treatment and, if you feel strong enough, do divorce him. Would it really be worse?

I hope and pray you live for many years yet. Surely they will be better years without him.

Tammygirl12 · 20/12/2025 19:49

No way in hell would I want him to work me to the bone and then after I die get a big life insurance bonus. Please make sure all the life insurance goes to the children only. He is a grade A wanker. He should be working hell for leather and you take a step back to enjoy your last years with your children

Gliblet · 20/12/2025 19:51

roundandroundthegarden123 · 20/12/2025 19:30

I have cancer and it’s spread. The goal of treatment is to keep it from spreading further. I have life insurance but not insurance to cover me not working (unless the drs say I have less than 12 months). The house will be paid off and there will be money for him and the children to live on until they are 18 - for that I’m really grateful

OP you really think he's financially responsible enough to make that money last? In purely practical terms you need to take steps to ensure he can't blow the money that's meant to protect your children. Whether that's divorce, or putting the money in trust - speak to a solicitor about your best option. And do you have a pension? Some pension providers will consider beginning payments early in the case of ill health retirement so when your doctor confirms you have only a limited time left, that could be an option.

ChristieMcVie · 20/12/2025 19:54

I would be doing everything in my power to ensure such a disgusting, lazy, cruel, selfish husband does not receive a penny of benefit from my death. Including severing the joint tenancy, severing any joint accounts and tying up my life insurance, pension and any other legacies into trusts for my children over which he has no power. I’m so sorry for you OP.

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