Anonymous
Post 02/13/2026 11:44     Subject: Which scenario makes most sense for dual working family?
Can he hire more people at work? I know that it's easier said than done, but that helped with my stress tremendously. Like a new paralegal or admin assistant?
Anonymous
Post 02/13/2026 11:41     Subject: Which scenario makes most sense for dual working family?
Someone has to take the hit and figure out the tradeoffs. Only you two can answer that question for your family and finances.
Anonymous
Post 02/12/2026 21:00     Subject: Which scenario makes most sense for dual working family?
What is core problem? Who is stressed wants a change?
Anonymous
Post 02/12/2026 20:59     Subject: Which scenario makes most sense for dual working family?
Love how two PP are so opposite. One is DH downshifts, two is DW quits.
Anonymous
Post 02/12/2026 17:00     Subject: Which scenario makes most sense for dual working family?
Anonymous wrote:OP, your post is predicated on the notion that at least one person must have a stressful job. This isn't really the case. And stress is also relative to the person's reaction to their circumstances. Some people thrive in an environment that others would find inherently stressful.

That being said, I agree with PPs who said A but ideally DW quits. At that HHI, it is likely not worth it for her to work.


This is what we did. Life is much easier for all now.
Anonymous
Post 02/12/2026 16:59     Subject: Which scenario makes most sense for dual working family?
Anonymous wrote:Scenario D
DW keeps the job she has
DH finds a less demanding job and takes a pay cut and you both figure out how to live on a lower HHI.
You don’t get this time back with your kids. You need to prioritize family over income.


+1
Anonymous
Post 02/10/2026 11:58     Subject: Which scenario makes most sense for dual working family?
Anonymous wrote:Scenario D
DW keeps the job she has
DH finds a less demanding job and takes a pay cut and you both figure out how to live on a lower HHI.
You don’t get this time back with your kids. You need to prioritize family over income.


+1 If DH is too stressed, change that. $150k for DW working from home is a great starting point, and if he finds something making even half of what he makes now you'll still have a great HHI. You make a lot now and can save a lot but it won't be worth much if it leads to a divorce, unhappy/stressed/neglected kids, or a massive heart attack for DH.
Anonymous
Post 02/10/2026 11:55     Subject: Which scenario makes most sense for dual working family?
Anonymous wrote:I mean to a degree, stress is a choice. If he feels trapped in the job and the stress is too much, has he tried talking to a therapist about coping strategies? Daily exercise? Prioritizing rest and staying away from booze? All of these things could help significantly.


+1 plus agree with the PPs saying hire more help. At your HHI, you can and should be outsourcing a lot. Seems like you would be better off keeping the money and letting the money work for you. Have DH work on reducing stress in healthy ways.
Anonymous
Post 02/10/2026 09:11     Subject: Which scenario makes most sense for dual working family?
More hired help no matter which scenario. There is no point in earning money if it's not making your lives easier.