The title ‘breadwinner’ is generally connected to males. But times have changed now. Men are changing roles and taking on child care responsibilities, while women work outside. However, the scenario is not that easy as it sounds. Society is the one to be blamed.
If you are a working woman and have a good understanding of your spouse, that is good. But pesky neighbors and relatives might not give you peace. Yet you can work it out in other ways. Read below a few tips to overcome the dilemmas and come out as a successful female earner.
Be Proud, but Don’t Show It
You are a breadwinner, and you should be proud of that. But people do not like the in-your-face attitude of such women. So, project what the others want you to see as. You do not have to be docile and apologetic. Be neutral and persistent. That is the best way to handle the situation.
You will also find your relationships flourishing this way. You must understand that your glory might be the reason for someone’s insecurity and jealousy. Keep your relations positive while maintaining respect.
Take Care of Your Finances
You should mind your finances seriously. If you are earning alongside the spouse, let one person pay for bills and other things and do all the savings. On the contrary, if you earn alone, then manage your finance wisely by preparing a budget. No one can predict the future. You never know what is in store for you ten years down the line. You can get in touch with an expert who can tell you about profit-maximization schemes. Fund management is a topic that you should not take lightly. Moreover, you must educate yourself about the taxation norms, as it could consume a considerable chunk of your income. So think of ways to lessen your tax burden. Most people keep a sum handy for the child’s education and wedding. Try creating a separate fund for that.
You must also ensure that you have an ownership roof above your head and sufficient money in the bank to pay for emergencies. If you still have a surplus, keep it in the retirement fund. Finally, monitor all your income and expenses regularly. You should also discuss money matters with your spouse. Ask for contributions, if required. Money is still the main reason for separations and divorces. You and your spouse have to be clear about your financial goals. A joint fund helps at certain times to avoid any financial blame game.
Be Communicative
Being a breadwinner is not easy at times. You might bring the mental load from your workplace back home. It can deliver different messages if not cleared. Moreover, you must not let it show through in front of your family. You should spend sufficient time with your husband to give him more clarity. Misunderstandings can kill any relationship.
Talk to each other every day, in the morning, at break and night. Keep all channels open. Clearly demarcate the roles as well. You should both keep a list of jobs under either of you. Playing out non-traditional roles needs you to be smarter. Divide the household chores so that each one of you knows your tasks. You are into this together, so keep it that way. The ultimate goal is happiness.
Stop Listening to Outsiders
The moment you stop listening to others, everything falls into place. Relatives and friends can advise, though. It is up to you whether to take that. There will always be someone in the family who views your role are a show. You will find more of this nature in older relatives.
They may even try to demean you in front of your spouse and children. If you keep communication in mind, no one gets affected through behavior. Moreover, you should make it clear to your family and extended family about the stance that you have taken. If all else fails, ignore it.
Demarcate Your Boundaries
Considering you have already been informed about the roles you play, draw a line somewhere. You cannot give equal attention to the house and work at a single point in time. Stop it in the nascent stages if you are expected to put in some household chores while working. Protect your me-time when you are back from work. The same applies to your workplace. For example, you can switch off your business phone after office hours. Summarizing it, do not take your home to the workplace and vice versa.
These are a few ways to fulfill a successful role both at work and home. Being a female breadwinner has its pressures, but the benefits outweigh them.
