Money is a subject that can bring out the best and worst in people. It seems to touch on so many sore points, yet at the same time can be used to create truly amazing experiences. One money block that some women have is earning more than their significant other, or sometimes earning more than their father.
Possibly this comes from the historical viewpoint that men are the breadwinners and women the family makers. An ideal that doesn’t work as well in todays modern world.
How do you feel about this?
Let me share a story about myself and this particular money block to help put it into perspective. You see, I never thought it mattered. If I earned more than the man in my life I just assumed that would be great and wouldn’t even be an issue.
Well at least that’s what I thought until it actually happened…
Several years ago I found myself in a position where I was able to earn more than my husband for the first time ever. The money was great and I was proud of myself for getting to where I was. Reaching that magic six figure mark was a goal that myself and a close friend had been working on for a number of years. Achieving it and sharing it with her felt amazing, and given that we’d both reached our goal and smashed our limiting beliefs around the $100k ceiling we had previously held made it even more exciting.
But, suddenly the thought of sharing it with my husband did not feel so great.
Now I’m far from a girly girl or someone that believes deeply in traditions. For the most part in life I just make up my own rules and do whatever I like. But, earning more than my husband made me feel strangely bad. Like I was worried it would make him feel less if I earned more than him. Crazy right??
So how did I handle this dilemma?
I lied.
Well, not exactly lied…. I just dodged the question …. for a few years.
Unfortunately, that didn’t feel to great either. So eventually the subject came up and I came clean on things. The extra income had allowed him to buy the car he wanted without stretching the budget and he was actually proud of me for what I’d achieved. My husband is not stuck on playing traditional roles either, so reality is, this money block was mine and mine alone.
Fast forward and today it’s irrelevant where the money comes from. Eliminating this money block has allowed me to confidently pursue dreams without fear of outshining anyone. By releasing this limiting belief I’ve also been able to expand my thinking even more in respect to how income can be created.
Have you ever had an experience like this where you’ve discovered your own money blocks? Maybe with your partner or a close friend or family member? Would love for you to share in the comments below.
