BellaOnline Forums Relationships Marriage Can We Do the Job?

Biscuitgirl brought up an interesting point about tasks or jobs we do. She commented that she felt men and women could do the job of the other.

I'd like to step away from the lofty aspect of what could be or should be done. Today, right this moment with the skills and knowledge you and your spouse possess, could you do the other's job (employed work or tasks at home) as well as they do?

For my answer:

No, I could not do my husband's job. I do not have the skills and the aptitude for it. I don't lack intelligence, I simply lack the ability.

He is a general maintenance technician on travel trailers and mobile homes. If the plumbing needs work, if the electrical system needs rewiring, if the AC or heater goes out, if the trailer needs reflooring..he is doing it.

I have been on the job with him as a fill in for his helper. He tried educating me on a few things, ay yi yi. I have no interest in the innards of a refrigerator. I also lack the physical strength to do some of what he does.

On the other hand, he could do the basics of my daily routine but he lacks the passion for it to do all the things I do.

Yes, I could. He was Managing Director of sales and marketing for a major British company, and ran a staff of nearly 200 people. His replacement was a woman, when he left, (moved country) so i could do it just as well, as I was trained in my early career in the same field.
Now he's retraining and studying to be a solicitor, and is in his first year of three, taking his law degree. When he finishes and qualifies, I would like to do criminal psychology and then counselling for prison inmates, eventually.

I wish your husband luck in his new field. Have you changed your own field of work?

My husband was a senior analyst in a law firm and left to pursue teaching history.Teaching is his first love.

As I was a teacher and now do relationship and educational seminars, I think we could both do each other's job without a problem.

He is more analytical than I-I am more creative, but we have worked together and are comfortable in each other's "domains."

Interesting post, Brandy!

I find it interesting that both of you have at some point been in a field your husband has been in (or the other way).

Do you think this plays any major role in your relationship?

You know, I never thought of it that way, but I think you're right.

We complement each very well and the only time we ever fought was over money problems.

Basically, if I wasn't married to him, I'd seek him out as friend.

Kristen,

I think when you have a friendship with your spouse or know you would value him as a friend then there is a great foundation for the marriage.

The only time my husband and I have shared any work experience was when he had his martial arts school. I ran his office.

We do share hobbies and some goals for the future with writing and game designing.