1. Skip to Menu
  2. Skip to Content
  3. Skip to Footer>
Newsflash:
 
Thursday, 14 September 2000

Q & A: My Husband's Work Dictates How We Live

Written by  Michael Tobin

Rate this item
(0 votes)
Q & A: My Husband's Work Dictates How We Live

QDear Dr. Tobin,

I am 41, married with three children ages 15,11,and 5. My children are going to a public school that is 30 -45 minutes away from my home. My husband's work has always dictated what side of town we live on. Now his job is shaky and I feel my life and my children's life is eaten away by commuting, lack of friendships in the area we live, and lack of time to enjoy any sports or activities. I just started school to become an educator, and now I may have to give that up to work to support my family. I feel very dissatisfied with my life. What should I do?

Unhappy with Life

ADear Unhappy with Life,

First, let's define the problem. Are you unhappy with your life or are you furious with your husband?

When I read your letter, I hear resentment and frustration pouring through: "My husband's work has always dictated what side of town we live on." You complain that because of your husband, your children have no friends or activities and you may have to give up your career plans.

Ask yourself:

  1. Have you agreed with your husband that the family's financial needs demanded these sacrifices?
  2. Or, do you feel that you unwillingly accepting a lifestyle that you've never really wanted?

If the answer to question #1 is yes, then your anger and frustration are more a function of the fact that you are no longer satisfied with the choices that you and your husband once made. People and relationships grow and change. Perhaps moving for the sake of your husband's work was once acceptable to you. However, you now understand the price that you and the children have had to pay and it's no longer worth it to you.

If that's the case, then I would suggest that you begin to dialog with your husband and help him to understand the effect moving has had on you and the children. Perhaps, when he fully understands how you feel, he will then be willing to explore additional options.

If, on the other hand, the answer to question #2 is yes, then ask yourself why you've allowed your husband to become so powerful that neither you nor the children have had a say in how this family functions.

Find the courage to assert yourself. Without blaming or accusing, confront your husband. Tell him that you're not interested in making more sacrifices. He must understand that there are two people in this marriage and both have needs and wants. A marriage can only work when there is mutual respect. It might be safer to share your feelings in a letter which will enable him to have the time to think about your concerns.

Remember happiness is a function of self-respect and intimacy. Act to create happiness for yourself.

Good luck,

Dr. Michael Tobin

Last modified on Thursday, 24 March 2011 07:53
Did You Like This? SHARE IT NOW!

Leave a comment

Make sure you enter the (*) required information where indicated.
Basic HTML code is allowed.

Michael Tobin

Michael Tobin

Dr. Michael Tobin has been a psychologist since 1974, specializing in marital and family therapy. He is the author of numerous articles on marriage and family relationships and is the founder of WholeFamily.com. He's  been married to Deborah for 38 years and is the father of four children and grandfather to five.

Interactive Features

Family Soap Opera

Join the Austen-Kutchinskys as they struggle to make their new blended family work.

Real Life Dramas

Listen to others Think it only happens to you? Families in conflict reveal their innermost struggles to communicate.

RealLetters

Learn how to express yourself through letter writing- using proven techniques for creating positive relationships.

Real Greetings

Real Cards...for Real Life

Marriage Tips

Receive Marriage Tips from Dr. Michael Tobin Delivered Directly To Your Mailbox

SIGN UP NOW and Receive the E-Book "10 Things Never To Do In A Marriage" FOR FREE!

Name:
Email:

See Sample Tips

We respect your email privacy
J-Town Internet Site Design