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angie805

Question:Would you give up your career so your husband could succeed?

In her new book, Beside Every Successful Man, author Megan Basham claims that if a woman wants to see her husband to obtain optimum career success, she should stay home with the kids. And while she acknowledges that it is hard for most women to stay home due to financial constraints—especially in this economy—Basham also argues that women who quit their jobs are better able to support their husbands’ careers, therefore increasing their family income.

Would anyone here give up a career that they love so that her husband could attain job success?

Asked by angie805 on 10/3/08 3 Answers»
springshine

Answer:

This is an interesting concept. A recent article cited a movement of sorts in this direction. The gist of the piece was that overall quality of life was up when one partner sacrificed their career. Meals were cooked, clothes were cleaned, children were dropped off/picked up with less stress.

Honestly, if the person wants to do this, with no hesitation or regret, then I say, go for it. You can always change your mind : )

Answered by: springshine on 10/4/08
Lourdes542

Answer:

I would never tell someone how to live their life, but this is such an antiquated concept that it makes me laugh. How can a family survive on one salary anymore, especially these days? I'd like to direct you to another book, called the Feminine Mistake by leslie bennets. In it she claims that women are doing a disservice to themselves by staying home. Not only do you set yourself up for failure if, god forbid, your marriage ends in divorce (now you have no income, no personal savings and no job to turn to). Plus, I know a few friends who are bored to death at home with their kids...why would you limit yourself?

My mom worked two jobs when I was growing up, and it didn't mess me up and my dad was still successful. Again, people will do what they choose to do, but for me, the concept of giving up my carer for my husband is absurd.

Answered by: Lourdes542 on 10/3/08
kristen

Answer:

I haven't read the book, but I don't believe I agree with that broad statement. I believe a successful marriage to be one in which two people support and walk beside each other in both their goals. To look at it in Basham's way implies that a woman's only goal should be the support of her spouse. I think that we should want to be our partner's "helpmate," but to do so at the expense of our own dreams and desires? Not so sure that would create a happy marriage—more like a lopsided marriage. And what happens to the woman who cannot bear a child, or the couple that does not want children? Is she still expected to stay at home and serve her husband all day?

Answered by: kristen on 10/3/08
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