My Husband Wanted Me to Quit My Job for His Mom—But I Had Other Plans

My Husband and His Mother Decided I Should Quit My Job and Become Her Maid

There was something strange about my husband Ethan’s arrival when he got home that Sunday afternoon. I could see by his expression that he had practiced his next words. I was astounded by his words when they eventually came out of his mouth.

Without consulting me, my husband and his mother had made the decision that I should resign from my position.

I initially believed it to be a joke. A joke that is harsh, out of date, and ridiculously absurd.

However, I could tell Ethan was serious by the expression on his face.

Worse? He genuinely thought what he was saying was true.

My profession didn’t seem important to my husband and his mother. that instead, I ought to be their personal housekeeper.

For the most part, things were going well in my two years of marriage to Ethan. We had a comfortable home, steady jobs, and a successful routine.

I loved my job as a financial consultant for a corporation. I had always appreciated the independence and good pay it provided.

However, there was one persistent issue. Diane, my mother-in-law.

In a nutshell, Ethan was a mama’s boy.

Even when his mother’s advice made no sense at all, he followed it as if it were divine law. Diane, too? She was opinionated on everything. What to wear, how to cook, when to have children, and how to “prioritize family over career.”

It was draining. But I eventually figured out how to control it. I chose my conflicts carefully. I discovered strategies to gently guide Ethan away from her worst thoughts.

similar to Thanksgiving last year.

Diane had openly, in front of the entire family, proposed that Ethan and I get rid of our housekeeper.

She had said, “A wife should take care of the home, dear,” while smiling knowingly and stirring her cranberry sauce. “Not some stranger.”

I started to protest, but Ethan just nodded. “She has a point, Sophia.”

Oh, how confident he was.

I inhaled deeply, fighting the impulse to hurl my mashed potatoes at him.

Rather, I leaned closer and grinned charmingly. Diane, you’re totally correct. For this reason, I believe Ethan need to begin cleaning himself thoroughly. After all, maintaining a tidy home ought to be a shared duty if it is that important.

Diane had a lovely expression on her face. What about Ethan? It was as though he wished to vanish.

Suddenly, the problem vanished that day.

I dealt with her that way. deflect, reroute, and, if need, present her own reasoning in a palatable manner.

However, she had gone too far this time.

It never occurred to me that Ethan would follow her mindlessly into this depth of madness.

When he returned home from seeing Diane on a Sunday afternoon, it all began. He appeared to be preparing for combat with his shoulders squared and his jaw set.

Immediately suspicious, I looked up from my book. “What’s up?”

“We need to talk.”

I got chills from the way he said it.

Slowly, I put down my book. “All right. What is it about?

He paused, as if he was getting ready to hit. Then he gave a quick exhale.

“I spoke with Mom. We also concluded that you ought to resign from your position.

“I’m sorry—what?”

His face was completely serious as he nodded. “It’s for the best.”

For the finest.

Throughout my life, I had heard some ridiculous statements. However, this? This was absurd on a whole other level.

“Are you serious?” I got up and laughed.

Ethan’s mouth clenched. “Mom needs assistance with household tasks. In any case, you ought to spend more time at home. You spend too much time at work. We spoke, and it makes sense for you to concentrate on the things that are truly important.

I cocked my head. “Things that actually matter?”

He let out a sigh as if he were telling a toddler something painfully apparent. “Work in the home. obligations to the family. You work in an office all day, but are you even capable of preparing a healthy supper from scratch? Are you familiar with proper cleaning techniques? Your privileged upbringing is beginning to show.

Oh, oh.

Diane entered and nodded her approval before I could even respond.

She asserted that “all women should know how to run a home,” “A woman’s value is not determined by her career. She is capable of providing for her family.

As I waited for the punchline, I looked at her and then at Ethan.

No one showed up.

I remarked, “You can’t be serious,”

Ethan crossed his arms. “It’s not a huge concern. In any case, job is the source of your constant tension. We will both benefit from this.

“Better for you, maybe.” I bent over. “Ethan, tell me. In what precise way does this assist me?

He hesitated after opening his mouth.

Diane, however, did not pause in the same way. “Dear, it’s about values. There are temptations when a lady spends too much time outside the house.

“Temptations?” I gave her a wide-eyed stare.

Ethan cleared his throat. “Mom and I have been talking, and honestly… we’ve been wondering what you’re really doing at work.”

I gazed at him. “Excuse me?”

He moved, abruptly averting my eyes. “You spend too much time at work. A woman’s family is what makes her valuable. We’re wondering whether you’re cheating on me because you’re often traveling, working late, and dressing fancy.

It was unbelievable to me.

“You seriously think I’m cheating on you because I work hard?” I inquired. “That’s your logic?”

Diane’s lips were pursed. “Dear, it’s not simply reasoning. It’s only common sense. Family is where a woman belongs. Not in the real world where things happen.

I was surprised for a moment and just stood there.

Then, gradually, I felt a peculiar calmness.

Oh.

Thus, this was their true opinion of me.

It was more than just leaving my work. Control was at issue here. About making me into a servant to them.

What’s the worst? In fact, they believed they were correct.

Ignorant of the fire she had just started, Diane rearranged her cardigan.

“We think it’s best for you to take a step back from your job and get some real-life experience running a household,” she added, grinning as if she had found a solution to a major conundrum.

“Yeah,” said Ethan. “You may assist Mom. She’ll even give you money if you do it correctly.

Oh.

That was the game, then.

They believed that my earnings were merely “extra.” that I could quit my job. That as I scrubbed their floors, they could swap it out for a pitiful allowance.

I sighed, cocking my head as though contemplating their kind offer.

Then I grinned. Nice. I agree. how they felt about me.

I said, “You’re absolutely right,” in a casual tone. “I should quit my job.”

Diane smiled. “That’s wonderful!”

“I’m so proud of you, Soph!” Ethan gave a cheer.

They were both unaware that they had entered their own little hell.

I adhered strictly to their plan the following morning.

I told Ethan that I was totally dedicated to my new position as Diane’s full-time maid and let my boss know that I would be taking a long leave of absence.

And I cut off all of my financial support, just as they intended.

They didn’t notice at first. Diane was too preoccupied with enjoying the luxury of having me at her disposal. Ethan, in the meantime, relished the attention his mother got at my cost.

Then reality set in.

Diane’s weekly visits to the spa? canceled.

Which expensive beauty procedures are her favorites? Lost.

The pricey organic foods I once purchased? swapped out for the least expensive store-brand products.

No more coffee from abroad. Artisan bread and aged cheeses are gone. Just bulk rice, basic oatmeal, and whatever was on offer.

Ethan’s monthly changes to his wardrobe? There is no longer any funding for that.

Weekend vacations? Not taking place.

I laughed as I observed the accumulation of inconveniences.

Ethan was sitting at the dining table one evening, staring at his bank statement. He drummed his fingers on the paper.

He said, “I don’t understand,” about it. “We never had money problems before.”

I smiled sweetly at him. “Oh, that’s because I was the breadwinner.”

Diane, who was seated opposite him, looked pale. “What do you mean?”

I folded my arms and leaned back. “You mean all of the things that made life so nice, like shopping, gourmet meals, spa treatments, and the small ‘extras’? I covered those costs.

Diane’s mouth parted, then shut again. “But… but we always had enough.”

I gave a nod. “Yes. since I was making money. Now, though? We all have to make compromises now that I don’t have a source of income.

Ethan yelled, “This isn’t sustainable,” “This… this isn’t going to work.”

I gave a shrug. “Guess you should’ve thought about that before you told me to quit.”

Diane’s flawless little world was crumbling at the seams as her lips crushed together.

However, I was enjoying myself immensely.

For a whole month, I allowed the pain to continue. Just enough time for them to sense it. in order for them to fully comprehend what they had assumed.

Then, one evening, I sighed with satisfaction as I extended my arms while Ethan pouted over yet another inexpensive supper.

“Good news,” I said with a cheerful tone. “I do miss my job. I will therefore be returning.”

His expression of relief was priceless.

However, I interrupted him by saying, “Oh, and while I’m at it… I’ll also be filing for divorce.”

Quiet.

Diane let out a gasp. Ethan tensed. And when their world fell apart in real time, I grinned.

I eventually got to live alone in my home when the divorce was finalized. Ethan attempted to beg for my pardon, but I refused. He couldn’t let his mother rule our life, in my opinion. to take charge of my life. to advise me that it would be best for me to work as her full-time maid.

And the charge that I was unfaithful while working? That was the last straw. I left Ethan because of that.

If you were in my shoes, how would you have responded?