She Plans to Quit Law and Shift Into Teaching, But with $200,000 in Debt, Her Husband Says the Cost of Her Dream Will End Their Marriage.

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When a young couple’s marital bliss collides with the crushing reality of $200,000 student debt, an unexpected career change by the wife stokes the fire of an escalating conflict. The wife’s newfound passion for teaching and desire for a future as a stay-at-home mom intensify the financial strain and discord within their relationship. As the argument reaches a boiling point, the husband considers a previously unthinkable option—reassessing the viability of their marriage.

The Young Marriage

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OP and his wife married when they were both 23 years old. The couple was hopeful and enthusiastic about their future. Now at 27 years old, the wife is on the verge of graduating from law school.

The Crushing Debt

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The wife has accumulated a staggering student debt of approximately $200,000 from her undergraduate and law school years. The couple is now faced with the daunting task of repaying this debt. The financial pressure is already intense living in an expensive city.

Change of Heart

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Once passionate about law and becoming a lawyer, the wife reveals she has completely changed her mind about her career path. Her dream is no longer law but teaching. She aspires to join Teach for America after her graduation.

The Financial Challenge

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OP expresses concern over the wife’s change in career, mainly due to the significantly lower starting salary. His worry stems from the huge debt burden, the city’s high cost of living, and their overall financial sustainability. The wife, however, appears determined and shows no interest in returning to the law.

The Future Plans

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The couple discuss their future and plans for starting a family. The wife expresses a desire to become a stay-at-home mom in a few years. OP is taken aback, questioning how they could afford such a lifestyle with their current debt situation.

The Argument Ensues

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The wife accuses OP of attempting to postpone major life events, like having children, due to her debt. This leads to a significant argument between the couple. OP argues that her choice to teach might force him to bear her debt burden.

The Ultimatum

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In the heat of the argument, OP insists that his wife should consider working in a high-paying job for a few years to repay a significant portion of the debt. He is worried about the potential financial strain they may face. However, she retorts, accusing him of prioritizing money over her happiness.

The Emotional Strife

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The wife expresses disappointment in OP’s apparent lack of support for her dreams and their future family. This intensifies the emotional conflict in their relationship. OP is left feeling accused and misunderstood.

The Marriage Reevaluation

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OP finds himself contemplating the future of their marriage due to their mounting issues. He hasn’t yet communicated this to his wife, but the thought is looming. The change in his wife’s career and their financial instability have shaken the very foundation of their relationship.

The Looming Debt

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As per the wife’s timeline, she would only work for a few years before becoming a homemaker. This leaves OP with the intimidating task of paying off a $200,000 debt alone. He fears that this enormous financial responsibility might ruin his life.

The Career Reinvention

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In the face of all opposition, OP’s wife decides to go ahead with her teaching career. She is accepted into Teach For America and starts her new journey. She remains hopeful about her dreams despite the tension brewing at home.

The Financial Struggles Intensify

The couple’s financial woes worsen as the wife begins her teaching career. The salary from her new job barely makes a dent in the looming debt. The city’s high cost of living continues to strain their resources.

The Hard Realization

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OP realizes the magnitude of the financial burden that he is shouldering. He is stretched thin, trying to manage the expenses and the debt repayment. The stress of the situation begins to take a toll on his health and work performance.

The Unspoken Threat

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OP contemplates giving his wife an ultimatum: reevaluate her career choice, or he may have to reconsider their marriage. He is torn between his love for his wife and the daunting financial circumstances. He fears the potential fallout from this confrontation.

Was The Husband’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posts his story online for feedback and advice. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “This is a reasonable thing to end a relationship over. She wants financial responsibilities to be divided in a way you aren’t okay with.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “So she wants you to pay tens of thousands of dollars because, for some reason, at her age, she hasn’t figured out what she wants to do with her life?”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person stated, “Run for the hills. She doesn’t respect your happiness and is not prepared to compromise to ensure your future financial health.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another reader commented, “It is crazy that she thinks you should pay off her student debt so she can have her dream life. What about your wants and needs?”