Balancing work and family life is a tricky skill that takes years to master, especially when you've got a family of your own. On the r/ AmIthe A**hole subreddit, a husband (OP) posted a story about his wife neglecting their kids' meals and sleep by staying in the locked room.
As shared in the post, the OP has a chill job that only needs him for about 35 hours each week, plus one week a month on call. His wife, though, deals with a stressful job, working a solid 45 hours a week. Her boss enjoys throwing around unnecessary tasks as a way to show who's in charge.
Living in a pricey city, the family relies on OP's income, which is about five times more than what his wife brings in. Together, they manage a comfy life. Since OP's job has fewer hours, he takes charge of daily chores like cooking, cleaning, and looking after the kids. Even during his on-call week, he keeps things running smoothly, ready to switch gears if work calls.
Usually, when work stuff comes up, OP can handle it in a few hours, not causing much chaos at home. But this time, things took an unexpected turn.
When the OP told his wife that he received an urgent work call that needed him at the office, she said her thing came first. They then had a heated argument. She locked the door and stayed in the locked room without caring for their kids.
What do you think? Scroll down to read the entire story and share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Source: Google Images (not the actual photo)
The OP asks:
Source: Unique_Confusion9528
OP does a job that pays five times more than his wife's and is low stress, so he rarely disrupts their routine.
Source: Unique_Confusion9528
OP's wife has a demanding and stressful job with an overbearing boss, working 45-50 hours a week, leading OP to handle most household responsibilities
Source: Unique_Confusion9528
During an on-call week, OP's wife received a work request after hours
Source: Unique_Confusion9528
OP, faced with an urgent work issue requiring immediate attention during his on-call week, clashed with his wife who insisted her work matter took precedence, resulting in a heated argument
Source: Unique_Confusion9528
OP's wife spent the night in her locked bedroom without attending to the kids' dinner or bedtime routine
Source: Unique_Confusion9528
OP was not wrong and the fact that his wife neglected the kids is such a red flag
Source: PhilosopherInside956
It's unacceptable and irresponsible when she left their kids hungry
Source: PhilosopherInside956
OP's wife should change her job and her attitude as well
Source: Upstairs-Banana41
OP should convince his wife to leave her job as she's getting abused at her job
Source: cliopedant
OP should take his wife to a therapist
Source: HelenAngel
"Having a childish tantrum in her room and ignoring the kids is unacceptable"
Source: Opposite-Guide-9925
OP should prepare with savings/ insurance in case something happens
Source: TwoCentsPsychologist
OP had advised his wife to look for another job but it was unsuccessful
Source: Unique_Confusion9528
"She seems dead set on staying at her current job"
Source: Haughtscot
This job seems to be very important to OP's wife
Source: Low-Total9121
Because OP's on-calls are not regular, hiring a nanny is unnecessary
Source: oy-cunt-
A regular nanny might help OP's wife with household chores
Source: oy-cunt-
OP has no problem with cooking or cleaning, the main point is that his wife could give him a few hours every few months for him to focus on this job
Source: oy-cunt-
If she lost her job, probably not so much
Source: IHaveSaidMyPiece