It is highly unlikely that you and your spouse will earn the same. In most cases, a difference is not a problem. Yet sometimes too much of an income difference can lead to problems that might even cause the marriage to break up.
Here are some reasons why this might be:
The higher earner feels they are underwriting the other
Sometimes one spouse earns much less than the other or does not earn at all. This was how many marriages were for a long time, with one person staying home to run the household. While that still works for many couples, it does not work for all of them. Some spouses undervalue their partner’s contributions around the home or feel their spouse is not trying hard enough to secure a job. It can lead to a situation where they get angry about their spouse’s requests for money or what they spend it on.
The lower earner feels judged or restricted
Some spouses are happy earning less but some may rightly or wrongly feel their spouse sees them as a burden. They might even think other people, such as their spouse’s family see them as a leach.
They might feel guilty about spending money on simple pleasures such as going out for a coffee with friends or buying themself the odd item of clothing, fearing they will be judged every time they spend.
If an income difference is leaving one or both spouses unhappy or resentful, they may struggle to make the marriage last. Arguments over money are one of the most common contributing factors cited by divorcing couples. Divorce will likely bring further disagreements over money so it is important for anyone in this position to understand their rights and options.
