My mother-in-law is dictating our life!!

Unfortunately, yes, my husband works in their family-owned business. Good side of it is, my MIL is trying to sell the company, which would mean more freedom for my husband, at least he can find a job he enjoys doing who will pay more. Then eventually, we might be able to move out. Biggest mistake of my life was quitting my job and working for them after we got married. But I quit already to become a full-time mom. I'm trying to find ways how to add some income for the family.

I don't think it's about jealousy or her being concerned about her son. It's actually more of a self-centered thing, she's scared that we might leave her and not be there for her if anything happens to her. Thanks so much for understanding my situation.

I very much know how you feel. Let's just have strong faith in God. I was just thinking earlier today... God will not give us challenges we cannot conquer;)

I know, this isn't the life I want my kids to grow up in. Even the way I bring up my kids, she has something to say, she thinks she's always right, since she's the "experienced" one, when in fact, she didn't even take care of her own kids and always left them with a nanny due to work. I mean, can't i be given a chance to mother my own kids since she's already been there? About the inheritance, I think my husband already discussed it with her over the weekend, I don't know the results yet, well, she said some things, I just hope she's true to her word this time. And yes, there are times that I think she just spent it on her own happiness, she's been going to salons a lot lately, and having so much renovations in the house! I told my husband that if that's the only thing keeping us from moving out, then I'm willing to go back to work (and leave my kids with my mom) so we can start saving for moving out.

My life is getting more miserable every day that I wake up. It's good that you were able to move out already, though, how can she still dictate to you guys? Well, like you said, at least you're not living in the same roof anymore. My husband and I are working on it already, though we all know it can't change by tomorrow. We're really planning it out already. Thanks so much for your response.

You are so lucky to have a great mother-in-law. I've wished all my life to have a mother-in-law I could call my second mother. As I mentioned in my previous reply, I used to have another job, until my husband and I got married and my mother-in-law, in one way or another, was able to convince me to work for them and manage the company. Working there sucked, but I had to show what I can do, so it worked out in some ways. I just quit when I gave birth to my daughter coz I told her I wanted to breastfeed exclusively and focus on being a mother. The time I was going to go back to work already, I got pregnant again, so alas! another reason for not working for her. I never want to work for her again. I'd rather use my time and energy for a better job. But I told my husband that i will only be able to look for another job when we don't live with her anymore, coz that would be an insult if we're still living here.

You are correct, it seems like she wants to be the center of ALl attention. You got that right, girl!

Thanks for the sympathy, it's great to know that someone listens to me and can understand how I feel. I cannot talk to her because I cannot. We are not close, and it's hard talking to her even about the simpliest of things. She's different. If you talk to her, you'll find out that she's the type you cannot correct, and you are always placed as the one who's wrong in the conversation. Talking with her is the least thing I wanna do even if it's just about my kids. My husband already spoke with her but I dont know what the results of their conversation was. Actually I do, but I'll have to wait and see if it's going to get somewhere. On moving out, we're working on it, slowly but surely;)

Thanks so much for your response! That's actually the same thing I told my husband a few weeks ago,that I think his mom needs some sort of counselling because she herself is confused on what she wants and not. So there is a problem in her that's probably bugging her, which NO ONE knows about at all. She's probably in denial too. Like you, she and I are from different family ways. She would always find something wrong in what I'm doing even if I know I'm doing the right things. My husband is fed up too with his mom, but can't do anything about it too much coz he's used to it already, having been spending 33 years of his life with her. The only thing I'm constantly reminding my husband of is that "she's pretending to be stupid, but she's outsmarting us", which is what another friend of ours observed.

I cannot be the one who should voice our opinions to her, because she will never listen to me and will have ways of making me look wrong again. It's my husband who does the talking, since it's his mom anyways. I'm just trying to keep my patience which I hope doesn't fade anytime soon. We're working on a plan right now, I hope it works out.

Thanks again.

I agree with you. My husband and I have been talking about this everyday, we have made plans already, but it wont take a snap of a finger to just move it, so we're trying to execute the plans slowly but surely. I'll be the happiest person on earth once we've moved out:D

I'm trying my best to find a part-time job. One that would not conflict my mother's or my husband's work schedule, because I will never leave my kids alone with my MIL, haha. I hope I do get something really soon, or at least a sideline job:) Thanks!

Lady, why in the WORLD would you live with your husband and your own children at an in-laws place? Get a one bedroom apartment if you have to, but I cannot imagine why int he world you would live at an in-law's place with your children, as if you were a child too who couldn't do anything on your own. Weird!

I know it sux, but I agree with sweetee. You have to take control and do whatever you have to do to just get the heck out of that house. I have two mother-in-laws (my husband's parents are divorced and re-married). His mother is very selfish and completely clueless. She is more concerned about things like selling her fancy boat and upgrading to a larger one than worrying about her daughter's drug additiction and putting her in re-hab. The step-mom is also very selfish and a complete trouble-maker. She starts rumors within the family and makes a mess out of every holiday. We live about an hour away from both of them, screen their calls and emails and try not to visit more than we have to. It's sad, but it's what my husband and I have to do to keep our sanity.