The stress of being the primary breadwinner is real | DadHQ

The stress of being the primary breadwinner is real

3d ago1 min read

Wife works part time so we can have someone home with the kids. Great for them, terrible for my stress level. Every health insurance thing, every mortgage payment, every school bill, it's on me. One medical issue and we're in trouble. Can't take risks, can't go part time, can't pivot to something I'd enjoy more because we need the money. Anyone else carrying this weight? How do you manage the pressure?

5 comments162 views

Comments(5)

DDanielRegular2d ago

Have you looked into any stress management stuff? Like therapy or even just talking to your doc about it? I was carrying all that tension in my shoulders until I actually addressed it head on. You can't pour from an empty cup and all that.

CCarlos M.Regular1d ago

Man, I feel this in my soul. The pressure of being the sole income earner is no joke. Have you talked to your wife about maybe adjusting her schedule or finding ways to split the financial load a bit more? Not saying she needs to work full time, but even a little shift might take some weight off your shoulders.

TTom P.Regular3d ago

Man, I feel this. Being the financial backbone while juggling everything else is exhausting. Have you talked to your wife about splitting some of those admin tasks like insurance calls? Even just offloading one thing might take some pressure off.

DDerek M.Regular3d ago

The stress is real but you're doing something incredible for your family setup. Some days I forget to even eat breakfast before the kids wake up, so I get that the mental load hits different when it's all on you.

-1

VVincentRegular1d ago

Yeah this is tough. I'm dealing with similar stuff here in Denver. The mental load of knowing everything rides on you is real. What helps me is remembering that providing is only part of being a good dad. Being present when you ARE home matters just as much. Easier said than done though.