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Relationships

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:
Temporaryname158 · 25/12/2025 18:38

I’d have him divorced by the end of today the (insert expletive here)!

the absolute drain on your life and finances, this is abuse. Divorce him leave all your money to your children. If there’s not time to divorce, write a will and leave your 50% of the house and all money to the kids in trust until they are 21. Don’t financially support him in death as well as life!

he needs to step up and parent your kids? What will he do when you are gone?

safetyfreak · 25/12/2025 18:47

roundandroundthegarden123 · 25/12/2025 18:25

Hi I’m just writing an update. Thank you all again for your suggestions.

I checked into a hotel for a few days before Christmas to get away and think about what to do. During this time I messaged my DH with a copy of this thread. It’s always just me saying he’s been unreasonable and he can’t see my POV. Initially he was angry and said we were all man hating women and he tried to justify his position. He didn’t really say anything different from what I’ve already said, other than he does ‘care’ and needs time to process decisions. He said that he feels anxious about changing his work or routine.

I have heard this before, when he refused to take time off work after my C-section, but he’s promised to start looking at alternatives in the New Year. He’s currently making a lot of effort with the children and isn’t his usual miserable self around them.

Ive told him I’m still taking legal advice - which he doesn’t seem to care about. There’s no money motivation, just a pure dislike of spending time with me (I don’t know which is worse tbh).

the thought of splitting up completely terrifies me. I don’t want the children to face more instability and if anything happens to me whilst I’m caring for them or I’m too ill to have custody, I won’t forgive myself. I’m really stuck.

I would say I’m well liked and have lots of acquaintances but no close friends. When you have children with autism, it’s really hard because you’re not just a parent, you’re a full time carer too. The ones in London are lovely - no kids, lots of holidays and have flashy jobs. I used to be like that ha! I’ve changed, not them so it’s difficult for them to empathise x

Oh, Op, I am so sorry for what you are going through. Life is so unfair. You have a terminal illness, but also a horrible, selfish husband.

Do you know if you don't have much time left? Do you want to spend it begging a man to spend time with you and the kids? you have tried that, and he doesn't care.

It is easy to say LTB, I get it. Can you live together but plan future care, etc, without him? he doesn't sound the type who will care for you throughout this illness. You need to plan now for you and the kids.

If you have concerns about his fathering abilities when you are gone, please let the social worker know.

Nearly50omg · 25/12/2025 18:58

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?

He’s not autistic he’s a nasty narcissist!!! Read up on domestic abuse and living with a narcissistic man and see if this makes sense to you. You’d be better off leaving him, leaving your job and spending as much time with your children as you can, selling the house and living off the money and leaving any money from your death to your children in trust!! Don’t leave him anything and make sure you tell him that so he gets off his arse and starts working properly!

ActiveTiger · 25/12/2025 19:23

I'm so sorry your going thru difficulties all I would be worried about is my kids and making sure everything was in place for there care because if your other half can't step up caring and helping out more for you for very honest reasons then what do you think will happen the kids once your not there. Thoughts and prayers to you today x

ParmaVioletTea · 25/12/2025 21:31

He finds change difficult and needs time to process ????

When you’re facing a life-shortening illness, probably terminal? And he’s the one who’s finding it difficult???

He’s a monster.

SunMoonandChocolate · 26/12/2025 00:26

Thanks for the update OP. I think you were very wise to have some time away over Christmas, and am glad that you sent him the thread. He may think we're all a load of man haters, but maybe given time to reflect on it, he just might realise that so many people all saying how awful he is, can't be wrong.

Also glad to read that you still plan to take legal advice.

With regard to your friends in London, you never know, it might be worth reaching out to alert them of your situation, it's surprising at times of trouble the people who step up, and often it's the ones you least expect, so please don't write them off without at least letting them know what's going on.

Sending you a warm and caring hug to carry you forward, and only wish I could do something to help.

DecisionTime123 · 26/12/2025 11:47

Some of your last post struck a chord with me, as about 8 years ago one of my DDs became unwell with a severe mental health issue and over the years I've had problems with friends who don't understand. Then I moved somewhere more remote and people don't bother with me so much now. But I joined various online groups specific to DD's illness (most meeting in the evenings by zoom) and our local carers' organisation has a choice of online or in-person groups and they are brilliant. There's also a local charity set up to support parents of ND children and young adults (which I don't need but have come across through the other groups I'm in). Through these groups I've been able to get much needed practical and emotional support and even met up with a few people.

I could sit down almost every night if I wanted to and get online and say I can't cope etc. and it's anonymous if you want it to be, or not and you can make real friendships. Would that be something that would help you now?

Italiangreyhound · 26/12/2025 23:55

@roundandroundthegarden123

Thank you for the update. I understand how absolutely awful your situation is. I am so glad you are taking legal advice.

I do think some sort of counselling would help you to work out what would be best for you and your children.

historyismything82 · 31/12/2025 19:43

@roundandroundthegarden123 hey OP. Hoping you've had a better week?

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