Hey everyone,
I’m 26M, my wife is 26F. We’re planning for her to eventually be a SAHM, which is something we both want and agree on. I’m really starting to feel crushed by the pressure of being the main provider.
Right now I make about $75k in the Northeast. I work a salaried job managing regional logistics for a gas company. It’s steady, but there’s no overtime, and the promotion path only gets me to about $85–90k, which doesn’t feel like enough for a one-income household around here. I’ve been thinking about starting a side landscaping business to bring in extra money, but honestly I’m overwhelmed. It feels like I have to make it work, because I don’t have many transferable skills and I’m worried I’ve kind of boxed myself in career-wise.
The stress of “being the man,” being the one who’s supposed to provide, is hitting me harder than I expected. My wife is super supportive, but I still feel like everything is on my shoulders and I’m terrified of failing her or our future family.
Has anyone else been in this situation—trying to be the sole breadwinner while feeling like your earning potential is capped? How did you deal with the pressure? Did you pivot careers, build a side business, or just grow into the role? I’d really appreciate any perspectives or advice.