Working with a spouse for more money, yes or no?

[Da Nag]

There's simply no right answer...nobody can possibly understand your relationship with your wife better than you.

As another data point - my wife and I, have worked together at the same company for almost 20 years. 8 years ago, she was promoted to a position in the same department as me. We commute together, have lunch together virtually every day, routinely have meetings together, and shop talk is constant.

I wouldn't have it any other way - we thrive on each other's company. The other benefit - we spend so much time together, that there's no guilt whatsoever should one of us decide to go do something on our own for a few days...something I think is incredibly healthy in any relationship.

Keep reading all the stories and advice here, but in the end...you should already know the answer.

[Ronstar]

I dont know your wife's company, but maybe patronage issues could arise from the other workers. Your working relationship with your wife could work out fine,but others may feel you are getting preferential treatment from your wife or from other bosses due to your wife's position. That would not be good for anyone.

[al_bundy]

my wife and i both agree that we don't want to work with each other or in the same company. everyone needs a break from each other

[Achiever51]

Originally Posted by FIREdreamer

HI d,

thanks for your comments. The tandem test is a good one but I fear we probably would fail it miserably. We often joke that if we ever sign up for the "amazing race" we would probably be fighting the whole way and end up divorced. We do a lot of things together and most of the time we work well together but I avoid doing certain activities with her. She is very competitive and I am not, so sometimes sparks fly. I refuse to play bowling on her team for example, she gets too worked up if I screw up. And she is ultra-competitive when it comes to work, so that's why I think working with her would probably rock the boat!

Sounds exactly like me and DH! We've been married for 31+ years and I love him dearly, but we've tried to work together in his business...and nearly came to blows! (not really, but in time, probably...) Like you, we've joked that if we ever did the Amazing Race, we'd be on Dr. Phil next to redeem our marriage.

As you said, only you know what will work for you -- in our case, being together essentially 24/7 and talking about work all the time wasn't good. You're still on track for a very early retirement...why mess with a good thing?

[freebird5825]

LH and i worked same employer, different buildings.

i will echo how the common W subject will monopolize your free time together.

avoid it if you are not comfortable with the idea from the outside of the company.

once you're in, if you change your mind and leave, what impact will that have on the longer employed spouse?

food for thought...