Dear Annie: Weighing the Future, When Passion Meets Paycheck | Properties & Life-style

Dear Annie: I’m writing about my sister, “Claire,” who appears to be dwelling two utterly completely different lives.

By day, she’s a high-powered lawyer, sporting tailor-made fits and commanding boardrooms. But on weekends, she disappears to a tiny city in Michigan, the place she rents a cabin and paints.

None of her colleagues is aware of about her artwork, and he or she informed me she doesn’t need them to seek out out.

Recently, Claire confided that she’s considering of quitting her agency to color full time.

The downside is, she’s spent 15 years constructing her authorized profession, and her husband is firmly towards the thought; he calls it a “phase.”

I can see how a lot happier she is up north, however I additionally fear she’s about to throw away all the things she’s labored for.

I like her and need to help her, however I don’t know whether or not to encourage the leap or remind her what she’d be giving up.

How do you inform somebody you like that chasing success would possibly include a really actual value?

— Torn Between Logic and Love

Dear Torn: Before Claire trades her briefcase for a paintbrush, she must run the numbers. Can her husband’s revenue help their household whereas her portray gig will get off the bottom? And if it doesn’t pan out, might she get again into legislation with out an excessive amount of harm to her résumé?

Passion alone gained’t hold the lights on. If Claire needs to make this transition, possibly she will be able to ease in — part-time lawyer, part-time artist — till she is aware of for certain which one suits.

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Dear Annie: I’m a mom of six, and my husband has change into utterly irresponsible. He exhibits no concern for our household’s well-being and refuses to contribute financially.

I’m the one one working, juggling a number of jobs simply to maintain meals on the desk, but he doesn’t respect my efforts.

He’s rejected each suggestion which may assist him discover work or change into extra supportive. Our youngsters get no emotional care from him; he eats whereas they go hungry.

He’s egocentric and manipulative, and it’s taken an enormous toll on my psychological and bodily well being.

I’ve determined I want a separation for my very own sanity, however I’m torn about what to do with the kids.

I thought of leaving them with him briefly whereas I get again on my toes, however he refuses — he says if I go away, I have to take them with me as a result of he “can’t handle them.”

I really feel horrible for giving my youngsters a father who gained’t take duty, and I don’t know what’s finest for them proper now.

Should I take the kids and begin over or go away them with him and attempt to rebuild myself first?

— Exhausted however Trying

Dear Exhausted however Trying: If your husband exhibits no concern for his youngsters’s well-being, why on earth would you permit them with him?

Pack up, take your youngsters and begin recent.

It gained’t be straightforward — but it surely’ll be a complete lot simpler than dwelling each day drained by his selfishness.

You’ve already been doing all of it by yourself. Now do it with out the deadweight.