Many women, whether by choice or due to societal expectations, give up their careers to look after their children and manage the household. This decision, even though it ensures her family’s well-being, has long-term effects on her financial independence and career prospects. Hence, you will find that many women, who do end up giving up their careers for their families, ask for some kind of compensation from their husbands.
Here’s an example. A 35-year-old woman took to Reddit to share how she asked for half her husband’s company after he asked her to stop working and become a housewife. She and her husband have been married for six years. They have two kids and there’s one on the way. He thinks that it is better for their family if the woman becomes a housewife. The husband earns a good living, so he can take financial responsibility for the family.
“My husband and I (both 35) have been married for 6 years and we have 2 children together and 1 on the way. He said that he wanted me to be a housewife and stop working. I was very disturbed by that but he explained that it was better for our family and children since he can afford very good living. After a few weeks thinking I told him that I would agree but only if I get 1/2 his company,” she wrote on Reddit.
She explained to her husband that if she becomes a stay-at-home mother, it would be difficult for her to find a well-paying job, in case they get divorced in the future.
“He was surprised by this but I explained further that the more I stay at home the less chance I would have to find a well-paying job should we ever divorce because I would have less merits, while he would stay making more money each year. So I want half of the company. If we never divorce…it would be the price of me staying home and raising our children so he could be less worried and stressed out,” she added.
Have a look at her full post here:
Reading this, several people thought that she was a very smart woman. In case the couple gets divorced in the future, the woman would have to financially sustain herself. It would be particularly difficult for the woman to re-enter the job market, considering the gap in her resume. It would also affect her earning potential.
Additionally, being a housewife is a significant contribution that often goes undervalued. She is enabling her husband to focus on his career and grow his business, thereby contributing to his success.
Here’s what some people had to say about the woman’s request:
This is a very smart woman. pic.twitter.com/YYusEAWQ9w
— Savannah (@Savannah_FDS) June 21, 2024
Never abandon your career to please a man without him being willing to give anything in return. Because one day he gets bored of you and you’re going to have to start from scratch with cero money and that’s how they they control you. Money is important!
— Carolina Isabel Fonseca Vera ?? (@CarolinaIsabelF) June 22, 2024
She is a smart woman.
And if he’s a smart man, he’ll agree. He’s made a demand, and this is her counter-offer.
Ultimately, she’s looking for that psychological ‘security’ that modern women want, and unless he intends to cheat on her, he has nothing to fear.
— Brentton White (@TheLynx_1) June 21, 2024
I like it honestly.
He’s asking her to treat the family’s success as the number 1 priority (which I support) and she’s asking him to prove that he’s got his incentives aligned with the success of the family (which I support).
— Steely Dan Maximalist (@SteelyDanMxmlst) June 22, 2024
This is how you do it! Entering a work force with a huge gap is more detrimental than people think! So being named half owner of a company is a smart move! Outside of financial right. There is a lot of autonomy given up to be a stay at home parent. People need to realize this!
— Valentine Vonbettie (@vonbettie) June 22, 2024
It is reasonable compensation for the sacrifice of her career and income. I would also insist on a savings and retirement plan in my name to pile up assets as if I had continued my career. My savings and investing has made me a multimillionaire. Hate to think of foregoing that
— ⲕ∈ﬡ?υ⊂ⲕႸ?⫯ⲍ (@kentuckyliz2) June 21, 2024
She’s essentially taking on an unpaid job, so she’s definitely in the right. And like she said, her being a sahm would lessen her job prospects should anything happen. She has to look out for herself and by extension their children.
— LadySerena (@ladygamer_21) June 22, 2024
Hear hear! Only agree to be a housewife when you know that your and your children’s future will be somewhat secured when life dynamics occurred. https://t.co/yaXaBo0P5o
— naramasista (@naramasista) June 22, 2024
The funny thing about this is that her husband agreed to it. Having bird friends is actually very dangerous. Nobody should be a stay at home anything with no security, no pension, nothing https://t.co/OtA7Oq3N8n
— dc (@__dayc_) June 22, 2024
Do you think the woman’s demand is justified? Tell us!