In the U.S., 22% of marriages have women breadwinners over the age of 30[1]. These relationships face unique challenges and experience as much as 50% increased divorce rate[2]. In addition to being a full-time radiologist, I’m also a writer and host a podcast on this topic. Stemming from financial inequities experienced in my own marriage, and the resulting challenges, I was inspired to delve into the psyche of the Female Breadwinner. I learned that my situation was not unique.
Women earning more than their spouses are like pioneers; we don’t have mentors to show us how to navigate this dynamic. In addition, long-standing societal norms still portray husbands as the primary breadwinners.
In my first book, She Makes More-Inside the Minds of Female Breadwinners, I share insights from my experience and research for couples where the women are out-earning their male spouses. However, many of these concepts apply equally well to any partnership. Let’s have a look at some issues that may arise in these relationships and how to handle them.
