Frustrated!

I haven’t posted in awhile, but have been reading the posts and

getting good ideas for saving money. My frustration seems so petty,

but it is driving me crazy. I am 36, have a DH and DD6 and DD9. When

my husband got out of the regular Army after the Gulf war, he spent 6

years trying college, working at McDonalds and then a restaurant with

me completely supporting us. He finally settled on carpentry and

worked for a couple of different people over several years. In 2002

he decided to start his own carpentry business and we have been

struggling, borrowing, etc as he is trying to make it on his own. I

work 20 hrs per week in a very physical job and work for medical

benefits for the family. There are weeks when I have worked 40hrs

(covering for co-workers) and I am exhausted by the end of the week.

In addition, the house looks like bomb went off in it. My husband

doesn’t do much around the house(mostly dishes, mowing lawn or

shoveling) and occasional other stuff if I beg him. I can live with

this if I am only working 20hrs, but not if I have to work 40 hrs. I

keep trying to get him to work for someone else as he is not earning

enough to make ends meet, but then I get the guilt trip, “Ok, so you

are going to make me give up my dream. I know I am a failure.” He is

a great carpenter, but a lousy businessman. We never seem to make

enough money. I guess I feel like I supported us for 6 yrs, hell,

only one year in 15 did he make more money than me (me part-time, him

full-time) and I don’t feel like I should have to do the same thing

now, especially since I take care of the children most of the time

and do 90% of the housework! Am I being petty or should I give him a

swift kick in the butt to get a job with someone else? I have tried

use my extra time at home to help his business, but I’m not the most

business inclined person either. I don’t know how to organize the

bills/paperwork for his small business and we can’t afford to hire

someone. I have a hard enough time organizing the family bills/

papers. Any suggestions?

Jennifer