Role Reversal

I am now the breadwinner in our house due to my husbands ill-health. I dont work full-time but have gone from doing a job I loved via an agency (on an 'as required' basis) to a different contracted job which is lower paid but I can depend upon a regular amount throughout the year. I have been able to pick up a few days in my previous line of work. My husband has taken over putting out the bins on a Monday and doing most of the dishes. He prepares his own meals unless I'm around at lunchtime. I'm happy to be out at work because I'd be climbing the walls if i didnt!!

even i think it's weird,i had to say,you are a so brave and you must have a good state. i mean,most of people think husband do housework is hard to comprehend,and will mock you.with this stress people hardly insist on,and this stress even can make gap in you family,but you seemed do it well:)

I don't have that luxury to have someone to switch the role. I have to work, take care of my house and my animals. It is very hard, but I wish I had that luxury to depend on someone.... Lucky you to have your wife working. I am glad that you have new work position. House job is more difficult and less respected.... HUGS

Michael: Bet your wife is please that you can deal with such change. Hope she is dealing with the role reversal as well as you. And yes, it does sound sort of old fashioned to me, but I'm guessing you're about the same age as I am. When I graduate from high school in 69 I vowed I would never be financially dependent on a man. I'd watched my parents go through a role reversal when my father took ill when I was in the 4th grade and Mom had to go back to work. My older sisters were siblings and would in their last years in high school, they and my dad took care of the household chores, meals and whatever other things needed doing. I don't know if my parents enjoyed it or not, but I really enjoyed the more increased time I got to spend with my father. I spent my adult life working and in my relationships, my male partner was expected to participate equally in all housekeeping events as I participated equally in all the expenses of keeping up the home, so far it has worked out pretty well. On the other hand there my adopted daughter and her husband didn't want their children to every be taken care of by a babysitter on a regular basis or in daycare. Thus one of them have been a stay at home parent since their children were born. They have changed back and forth (of course neither of them have a high powered important career) as on or the other was able to obtain the better job in the area they deemed the best for raising their children. They are not making the most money they might but they both seem happy and their children both seem happy. And I think my son in law is better at taking care of the house and the kids than his wife is. I think she would be happiest if she could work all the time. Cheers.

Hi MichaelsJay, I must really say that I absolutely admire and solute you. 1) Working for 40+ yrs in high-powered and stressful jobs shows consistency, responsible and dedication 2) marriage of 34 yrs shows love, dedication, loyalty, and willingness to compromise and understand each other. 3) Last but not least, being a stay home dad shows how big a man you are. Traditionally, being a man is taking care and supporting the family thus the bread winner. however, it takes a bigger man to be able to accept changes in time and staying at home to do the so-called woman's work. Good for you and I'm really happy you are enjoying your time.