One of my friends decided to re-enter the workforce, after more than two decades out of it.  I supported her job-hunting efforts, and was thrilled when she excitedly told me that she’d landed a nice position as a cook in an old folks’ home (she is a qualified nutritionist) and was due to start next week.  

Last night, however, she sent me a rather dispirited email telling me that her husband had firmly put his foot down, “no wife of mine” and “your place is in the home” and all that.   Not only that, but her own daughter was vehemently against the idea too, because “I don’t want my mum to be out all day” and “who’s going to take care of us?”  (The girl is 19 years old!)  So, in the face of all this family opposition, my friend sadly decided to give up her new job before she got even started. 

Wow, a husband who insists on being the sole provider … where do I get me one of those?