In-Laws Demand Woman Quit Her Job As It’s “Emasculating” Their Son, She Has A Perfect Clapback

Times have changed. Nowadays it’s not unusual for women to earn more than their husbands. Or for some men to be stay-at-home dads. It’s really up to what works for the couple. But not everyone is open-minded enough to accept that traditional gender norms are shifting.

One very successful woman has been left stunned after her wealthy future in-laws asked her to quit her high-paying job. They’d prefer her to be a stay-at-home-mom. Because, apparently, her big paycheck is emasculating their son. When the woman offered a compromise that she felt was fair, the “old-money” family went nuts.

Some people born into “old money” will never understand the meaning of hard work

Middle-aged in-laws sitting on a couch, looking shocked while reading a letter about woman quitting her job.

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One woman’s wealthy in-laws want her to quit her job so that she doesn’t earn more than their trust-fund son

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Text excerpt about a woman earning over $170,000 and in-laws finding her job emasculating to their son.

Text excerpt about in-laws demanding woman quit job, claiming it’s emasculating their son because she earns more.

Woman looking frustrated on a couch while her partner sits in the background, highlighting in-laws demand and clapback conflict.

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Text describing a woman's career earnings compared to her husband's trust fund amid in-laws demanding she quit her job.

Text excerpt about a woman negotiating financial terms with in-laws amid demands to quit job seen as emasculating their son.

Text stating a woman offers to sign a prenup to keep part of a trust fund if she quits her career as demanded by in-laws.

Woman counting cash in hands representing in-laws demand and emasculating son related to her job conflict.

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Text showing a woman expressing frustration about in-laws demanding she quit her job with no safety net.

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The woman gave some more info in the comments section

Reddit discussion about in-laws demanding woman quit job for emasculating their son and her strong clapback response.

Reddit user discussing in-laws demanding woman quit job, defending career choice against emasculating son claims.

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Comments discussing a woman’s in-laws demanding she quit her job, viewed as emasculating their son, with a strong clapback.

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Screenshot of an online conversation where a woman responds to in-laws demanding she quit her job for being emasculating.

Times are changing but many men can’t handle being “out-earned”

The number of women who earn as much as, or a lot more than, their husbands has nearly tripled over the past 50 years. But this hasn’t stopped many men from feeling emasculated. 

Texas-based therapist Duewa “Kaya” Spicer says an imbalance in earnings can manifest as a perceived power imbalance. If couples still assume the societal norm of the man being the primary breadwinner.

Of course, this isn’t always the case. Things can work “if both parties are secure in their earning and their role in the relationship,” notes the expert.

One of the ways money can rock the boat is when the higher-earning partner feels they have more say in decision-making. This could lead to conflict or resentment. While the partner who earns less might feel more pressure to contribute financially. Another cause of stress and strain in the relationship.

The lower-earning spouse might also think they need to match or exceed their partner’s income in order to feel like an equal. They could even consider working longer hours or taking on side hustles to do this. And more work essentially means less time with family. And added resentment.

Then there’s the 2023 study that revealed that despite many women earning more than their husbands, they’re still carrying the bigger load when it comes to household chores and duties.

The researchers found that American wives spend more time on housework and childcare, while their husbands spend more time on paid work and leisure. Another obvious cause for conflict and stress within the relationship…

Spicer says open communication is crucial when one partner earns more. “I cannot stress enough how important it is to discuss financial expectations early in the relationship,” she told psychentral.com. 

“Ask your partner about how they engage with their finances,” adds the expert. “Just because one partner is a higher earner doesn’t automatically mean they are financially more responsible.”

You might also need to compromise, says another therapist. Candace Kotkin-De Carvalho suggests setting up a budget that works for both partners. Include things like fun activities, date nights, hobbies and vacations. And draw up an agreement that outlines your financial goals and expectations.

“Focus on celebrating each other’s successes and supporting one another through difficult times,” Kotkin-De Carvalho advises. “Acknowledge your partner’s hard work, efforts, and dedication to their career and express gratitude for their contributions to your lives. This will help them feel valued and respected regardless of their financial status.”

Image credits: Wavebreak Media (not the actual image)

“Don’t do it”: many people rallied behind the woman

Reddit comment discussing in-laws demanding woman quit job for “emasculating” their son and her strong response.

Reddit user shares experience with in-laws demanding woman quit job, calling it emasculating to their son, with a strong clapback.

Comment discussing in-laws demanding woman quit job as it’s emasculating their son and her strong clapback.

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Commenter defends her job as breadwinner against in-laws who find it emasculating, sharing her supportive husband's perspective.

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Comment on a forum insisting to keep her job despite in-laws demanding she quits, calling it emasculating.

Some netizens cautioned the woman to rethink the relationship and marriage

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Comment thread discussing in-laws demanding a woman quit her job for emasculating their son and her strong response.

“I’d tell my son to drop you”: not everyone took the woman’s side

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People shared their own similar stories

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