Home Moral Stories My Husband Wants Me to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom — I Demanded...

My Husband Wants Me to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom — I Demanded Half of His Company

For illustrative purpose only

When requested to become a stay-at-home mom, the woman demanded half of her husband’s company. She shared her tale on Reddit, which caused a lot of discussion. Let’s learn more about their unusual marriage negotiation and how their relationship could evolve in the future.

Her husband asked her to become a stay-at-home mom.

My husband and I have been married for six years and have two children, with one on the way. He claimed he wanted me to become a housewife and stop working. I was really worried by this, but he argued that it was better for our family and children because he can afford to live very comfortably.

For illustrative purpose only

She asked for half of the company.

After a few weeks of consideration, I told him that I would comply but only if I received half of his business. The expression on his face was priceless. He was taken aback, but okay.

For illustrative purpose only

I went on to explain that the longer I stay at home, the less likely I am to obtain a well-paying career if we ever divorce. I’d have less benefits, while he’d continue to make more money each year, therefore I wanted half of the company.

Legal and financial implications of their agreement.

If we never divorced, it wouldn’t matter; however, if we did, it would be the cost of me being at home and raising our children so he could be less worried and agitated (in his words, less anxious if he knew they were with me rather than strangers in daycare or nannies).

How her friends reacted.

When I told my buddies, they said I was selfish. My dearest friend was furious and called me nasty. So I am taken aback a little.

People took her side.

For illustrative purpose only
  • You shouldn’t bend on this. You have as much a right to a secure financial future as he does. If he doesn’t do this, he can’t afford you, or he is looking to create a power imbalance that puts you at a disadvantage.
    In future, keep your marital business to yourself. Your friends don’t get a vote. Unknown author / Reddit
  • To me, this sounds reasonable for exactly the reasons you’ve given. You don’t want to be the bitter woman finding out in her 50s that waiting tables is her only option because her professional career skills have passed their due date, and your husband has moved on. You don’t want to be trapped in a loveless or even toxic marriage because you’re financially dependent. Playful_Robot_5599 / Reddit
  • I’m a man and I see nothing wrong with your request, you’re just protecting yourself and your future in case things go south. You have every right to have financial security. Unknown author / Reddit

Let’s break down the deal.

For illustrative purpose only
  • First and foremost, they need to determine how much the company is worth. This is not as simple as looking at your bank account. Experts will consider factors such as the company’s revenue, assets, and potential sale price.
  • If they agree on a price, the wife will essentially become a co-owner of the company. This means she has a say in how it is run and will receive a portion of the earnings (or losses).
  • There are other legal issues to consider, including as taxes and what happens after a divorce. They should consult with a lawyer to work out all the details. A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement may assist safeguard both of them in the long term.
  • Being a stay-at-home mom is a significant deal. They should discuss how this shift may effect their relationship, family life, and future plans. It is critical to have open and honest discussions about expectations and how they will traverse this new chapter together.

Advice for couples facing similar situations.

For illustrative purpose only
  • Talk openly: Make sure you and your partner are honest about what you both desire. To ensure that everyone is on the same path, share your views and feelings regarding staying at home versus working. This form of spousal bargaining is essential for understanding each other and handling your family dynamics.
  • Think about money: Consider how living on one income will influence your budget. Consider financial justice in your marriage and devise a strategy for saving money, planning for the future, and having a backup in case something goes wrong.
  • Protect yourself: If one of you is leaving a career, consider how you may protect your finances. Marital agreements and comprehending the legal implications of marriage may be required. Make sure you’re both prepared in case things don’t work out.
  • Plan for the future: Even if you stay at home now, consider how you could return to work later. Staying prepared can help you navigate the hurdles of being a stay-at-home parent. Stay current in your field, continue to learn, and be prepared to return to work if necessary.
  • Check in regularly: Set aside time to discuss how things are going. This way, if anything isn’t working properly, you can change it before it causes a greater problem. Negotiating parenting duties with your spouse will help you both feel valued and appreciated.

Dealing with in-laws can be difficult, particularly when cultural traditions and personal ambitions do not coincide. In this tale, a lady discusses how she spoke for herself and pursued her job goals despite her husband’s family’s more traditional expectations of her.