These days, it’s becoming more common to see women as the head of the household, and it works well for many couples. However, these changing roles can bring new challenges for both partners.
I’m speaking from experience as a female breadwinner. In 2016, I made nearly $1,000,000 from my business, and I’m on track to earn even more in 2017.
Even though I bring in the money, my husband plays an equally important role. He handles most of the behind-the-scenes work that allows us to live a great life. While he helps with my blog, his main responsibilities include managing our full-time travel, cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the household. He also ensures I maintain a good work-life balance.
We have a great relationship because we both contribute equally. However, being a female breadwinner often attracts negative judgments. If our roles were reversed, people would applaud my husband for his financial contribution without questioning my role.
Our arrangement works well for us, and as long as everyone is happy, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to more traditional gender roles. In fact, more women are becoming key players in their family’s financial well-being. According to TheStreet, nearly 50% of women in the U.S. are the breadwinners, and around 66% are either primary or co-breadwinners.
Despite this growing trend, the idea of a female breadwinner still confuses people and leads to a lot of judgment. When people find out I’m the breadwinner, they often ask what my husband does all day or assume I’m bossy, which isn’t true. We make decisions together, consult each other before making purchases, and discuss every aspect of our life openly. Still, this confuses many people.
Recently, someone emailed me thinking I was a man named Michael instead of Michelle, apologizing for assuming only a man could build a successful business. This isn’t the first time I’ve encountered such assumptions. When Forbes featured my story, “How This 27-Year-Old Made $1 Million Last Year,” many thought it was about a man, calling me a gold digger despite my name being mentioned several times.
Being a female business owner and breadwinner is still new to some people, but it shouldn’t be seen negatively. Both men and women can be successful, and all roles are equally valuable.
Being a female breadwinner can bring new challenges to a relationship, but it can also be very positive. Here are some tips for making it work:
1. **Being a female breadwinner doesn’t mean your husband is worth less.** Some men feel less valuable if they’re not the primary provider, but supporting a family isn’t just about financial contributions. It’s about both partners being happy and having an equal say in the relationship.
2. **Be proud of your roles.** Traditionally, women were expected to handle the household and raise children, but roles are changing. Whether you are a female breadwinner or the partner of one, be proud of your roles and ignore negative comments from others.
3. **Regularly talk about money.** Open discussions about money are crucial. Regular talks can prevent surprises and ensure both partners are involved in financial decisions. Find a frequency that works for you, whether it’s weekly, monthly, or something else.
4. **Realize that times are changing.** It’s less common now for men to be the sole providers while women stay at home. More women are becoming breadwinners, and one day, this won’t be seen as unusual. Until then, know that you are not alone.
Are you the breadwinner in your family? What do you think of changing roles and female breadwinners?