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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

I think DH should give up on his business

404 replies

changedmynameagainforthis · 11/03/2026 12:56

I’ve posted about this a few years ago. DH quit his job at the end of 2022 after a serious health thing and deciding he wanted to do something completely different. He’s now working as something like a therapist (being vague as outing).

The problem is he is not earning anything enough. When we take into account his business costs we are in the minus for the current tax year.

I work full time with a baby and 2 older primary age children. Earning around 60k. We have a hefty mortgage, so DH has asked his parents to help us out while “he finds his feet with the business”. They have given us thousands and thousands of pounds. I am super uncomfortable about it, but I can’t support a family of 5 by myself with the costs we have. They contribute about 1/3 of our household costs at present. I pay 2/3.

Here is the problem. I think DH should get a job and pay his own way. DH thinks there is no problem, everything is paid for, so why should he.

In a way he is correct, everything is paid for. But I am so resentful. I hate having most of the responsibility, whilst also doing all the baby night wakings (DH can’t because of health condition…). When I got pregnant with baby the aim was I’d go back to work part time. That obviously hasn’t happened.

I don’t know how to get him to see that this isn’t working for me. Anyone got a way of making him see that his parents paying his way isn’t ok? Or am I missing the point entirely and he’s right?! Last time we discussed it he fobbed me off and suggested I’m only with him for money

OP posts:
YellowDuck1 · 18/03/2026 18:33

changedmynameagainforthis · 11/03/2026 13:19

It’s a serious health condition that currently doesn’t really affect him day to day. There is the possibility it could in future so he works to keep as healthy as possible.

We do pay £500 a month for nursery to allow him to work… yes I know that sounds ridiculous.

Take the DC out of nursery and I’m sure he will soon figure something out

Rhaidimiddim · 18/03/2026 18:41

changedmynameagainforthis · 11/03/2026 13:15

He would say full time. I’d say in that “full time” he finds quite a lot of time for walking the dog, going to the gym and other hobbies. He puts in a couple of solid hours a day.

He really is taking the piss.

He's got his wife and parents paying the bills so he can pursue a hobby and enjoy a life of semi- retirement.

Please keep careful notes and documentary proofs of how little he does towards childcare so he can't claim he was the children's primary carer when you finally have enough and decide you don't want to live with this cocklodger any more.

changedmynameagainforthis · 18/03/2026 19:05

I’m very aware I sound like a pushover but I have thought carefully about this. This gives me time to get my ducks in a row if I need it, and get the baby in a better routine so I can manage better if I need to go it alone.

I do think he has taken what I’ve said on board. I can’t control whether he changes or not 🤷🏻‍♀️

OP posts:
gardenflowergirl · 18/03/2026 20:21

If he knew divorce was on your mind, do you think he'd get himself sorted sooner?

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