It hasn't even been a week yet and my husband is already starting

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Yep, that's right...it's that time again. Back to school, back to studying, back to putting everything else on hold, back to fighting with my husband.

I don't know why it is, but every time he does this to me. I don't do enough or something. He expects me to do everything.

Okay, last night I had a class (which I really regret taking now, and wish I would have taken something else, but every class is full, so I am stuck with it:o ), my class went from 4-7 pm. My husband picked up 2 of the 3 kids, and made dinner. I came home, and all the dirty dishes were still on the counter. A couple months ago we started having the oldest two, ages 9 and 6 help out with doing the dishes...it (sort of) takes a little bit of the work, and in that way everyone can contribute. Anyway, he had them take their showers, but didn't have them do the dishes or clean their room (which is a mess).

Well, this morning I get up, get the girls up, and then sit down at my desk (which is temporarily in the LR). He then tells me that he needs his marijuana (I do apologize, my husband is addicted to marijuana...I don't agree with it at all, and it is ONE of the huge issues we do not get along with. I personally can't stand the stuff...won't do it because it freaks me out), because living in our house is such hell. I told him there was no one forcing him to stay her. He told me I was right, then said that he would probably come home after work and the house would still be a mess because I don't do anything. School is the only thing that is important to me. Then, he gets this real sarcastic, condescending tone to his voice and says, "Oh wait...I forgot, you have a 45 minute class today, so you shouldn't have to do anything else. It's okay."

Well, there is lots of history here, too. He has this job that he has to drive about 1 1/2 hours most days to work. BUT, he is almost always home by 3 pm, many days he gets home by 12:30. Okay, so 3 hours of driving every day isn't fun, and physical labor (sometimes, not all days) also isn't fun. It also isn't fun being the "only" one who brings in any money (Please remember, the $5000 that I bring in each semester from FA doesn't count). So, there is a lot of stress...and he doesn't want to do anything else.

Maybe we are both to blame, but I don't think he understands what exactly is involved in the nursing program. He just sees that I get it done, and I get A's so therefore it isn't that bad, and I shouldn't stress. Remember, I only have a 45 minute skills testing for today that I need to study numerous times in order to have it memorized. I have an abstract on a journal article due Friday, plus a report to hand in on clinical due the same day. I have a case study that needs to get started, a speech that I need to start researching, a paper to do in an elective course, (am I forgeting something?), and about 400 pages to read. Therefore, I should have the time every day to cook, clean, take care of the kids (get them up, dressed, fed, to school and home again, homework done), do laundry, clean the LR, BR and do my school work plus go to class and clinical.

Alright, I don't know where I am going with this. He told me this morning that without him I'd be screwed and I wouldn't be able to go to school and I would lose everything. He does that to me every time. Every semester he makes my life difficult. I get so stressed, because I hate the thought that if I dont' do everything, then he'll come home and yell at me, and we'll fight again.

I'm sorry this is so long, guys...I usually end up being very wordy. I must go now, I have to study my skills and still take a shower and go to the store, then get to skills testing at 1pm. I don't know how I am going to make it through this semester and the next 4 after...:o

Had the same type of crap from my wife when I started back to school and was only working 30 hours a week and only taking 10 credits.

I said if she would help me with studying, I would help with everything else.

When I studied at 10 pm after work and got her up at 6am she reconsidered my contribution as sufficient.

Going fulltime with no job now and all's quiet on the western front.:kiss

Specializes in Oncology RN.

What's really going to blow hubby's mind is that you only have to work 3 days a week, and yet bring home more than him!!

A friend of mine has that exact same problem. He is a security guard, she is a trauma nurse. He complains that she is lazy because she only works 3 days a week, but is jealous as hell because her income dwarfs his. Her income goes to pay the bills, his income goes to his entertainment...Ebay, gaming casinos, etc. She has put up with this for a long time, and fortunately, is coming to her senses.

A lot of people out there don't understand just how hard it is to be a nurse, much less going to nursing school!! They see that we make too much money considering we might only work 3 days a week. They don't understand how sometime we come home and cry because of the emotional toll our jobs sometimes take. I work nights, and I get the "how hard can it be...all your patients sleep?!?". Hah!! If they only knew!!!

So, the questions is...how much are you willing to put up with? As you have read, many nurses have had to get out of draining relationships. It takes a special person to be a nurse, but an even more special person to be married to one!! There are lots of great guys out there in the world, too many to settle for one who obviously takes you for granted.

I do have a question that has been lingering in the back of my mind...doesn't the idea of being around someone who is a MJ junkie sort of create an underlying threat to your nursing license??

Headhurt, I have wondered the same thing myself on more than one occassion. If it comes down to his habit or my license (when I get it) the choice will for sure be my license!

Thank you to all of you who have offered your support and/or stories...we are all here for each other, and we will make it. :kiss

Many, many posts, but I most add my 2 cents. I agree and disagree with much of what I've read. I feel that full-time school (esp. nursing) is equal to working a full-time job, regardless of how many actual hours were spent "in class". You say sometimes you feel sympathy for the hard work and long driving hours clocked by your husband, but when you add all your hours spent on school (studying etc) you should be just as exhausted. Both of you should be contributing to the household, but I see that probably won't happen. You will have to do what is right and possible for you, something you can live with. And don't be afraid of being alone! Even while in school, it is possible. BTW, besides my own long and sorted history (divorced once ...and more) I also was a child raised in an abusive, drug abusive household. Not healthy. One more thing, DON'T apologize for habit. That really stuck out to me in your post.

*a parent going to school is a sacrifice for the entire family, if they all want to enjoy the benefits later.

I feel for you, I wish luck and strength your way.

Buena Suerta! SG

Sorry to hear about your situation sagelola. Sorry I have nothing constructive to add, as i am not a mother or married- but I am a student.

I think the idea of furthering your childrens chores to help out more around the house is brilliant. I also totally agree that a messy bedroom and a few dirty dishes shouldn't spoil your husband's evening- in the long run they are insignificant and not worth the arguments.

I don't know what it feels like to be going through what you are, but i can imagine how horrible it must be.

Please continue on with your studies and all the best for the future. It will be worth it!

GOOD LUCK with your studies and congratulations on your great results so far.

Love Rachel

Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.

Dear Sage,

Please don't apologize or rationalize his behavior to yourself. I won't be shy about this because I've been there myself, more than once.

Yes, you are the one who has to leave or end this or else tolerate this and be miserable just as you are now. You can only hold out for that glimmer of hope as he doles out just as sparingly as he needs to keep you addicted to those few moments when he is nice.

Do you want to teach your children to listen to 'wrong?' I don't think so.

Yes, it is hard. It takes time. You may even run into another bad or abusive relationship. Didn't you know, you are IN an abusive and manipulative relationship right now. For whatever reason he got you. He is manipulating you.

He only sees you as a thing to mess with, your head, your life, etc. Maybe he doesn't want to but, the end result is, he is destroying your sense of self worth.

He isn't worth it honey. He will slowly take your sanity too.

Been there, and back! Good luck,

Jen

here it comes from someone who truly knows this deal.....

he will never change until you do leave him...then and only then will he possibly see..

i tried everything...begging, crying, yelling, arguing, counseling....but he truly thought - she'll never leave and I'm not going anywhere so he kept up his relentless destruction...

by staying i was enabling his behavior... you need to get 2 books

"codependency" and "the 4 agreements"

there are plenty of nursing scholarships out there and plenty of loan money that you can get access too - don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't make it on your own! YOU CAN - and you sure as heck will be better off on your own that in a psych/emotionally abusive relationship!

hopefully he will straighten up when he sees you walk- but if he doesn't yu really need to decide how you want to live, what you deserve, and if children will prosper in an environment like the one they are in.

Been there too

I agree with the others get counselling or get out

Remember that your schooling is very important, this will allow you to move ahead in your life, you'll be able toprovide for your children.

Big hug from all of us

Keep us posted

P.S. Don't worry about the housework it will get done eventually.

My place looked like a war zone somedays

Laundry was done by priority ( anything needed for the next day)

A slow cooker was my best friend.

If I were you I'd well never mind I did it and I was happy and No I didn't need him to get through school. I had a very supportive family. I also had 5 boys age 1-6 and a 10 year old girl

Keep a chin up study hard

My heart goes out to those struggling here, but I have to wonder how many of these problems many are having were all ready in existence? But now they are just coming to fruitation?

You have to start training them even before you are married!!! Once you are married and assume certain tasks in a relationship it is hard to switch gears and get the spouse to change his/her ways.

Also keep this in mind, if you divorce your spouse after you finish school he/she may be able to garnish a portion of your earnigns for the rest of your life as they can argue that they "supported" you while you earned your degree therefore they are entitled to a portion of that degree.

Good luck to all....

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