Top 10 Reasons Why it is important to Discuss Your Career Before Marriage
You’ve found your perfect partner. Things are going well between you and you start to think that you might be ready to get married.
Before you walk down the aisle together you need to have a serious discussion about your future. Discuss your life goals, thoughts on children, finances, and most importantly – your career.
Your career will shape much of your life. It determines what income you will have, where you live, and how much time you will have to spend with your spouse.
The best partnerships are built on love, respect, and plenty of communication. That’s why we’re looking at 10 pieces of relationship advice for discussing your career before saying “I do.”
Helps you Understand your Financial Future
One study, which measured 748 instances of conflict between 100 couples found that money was the most salient and repetitive argument between partners. Why? Because money is an awkward, tricky subject.
Many couples feel inferior if their spouse makes more than them. Money can also be a stressful subject to bring up if you are not meeting your budget.
If you talk about your career plans for the future, it reduces the financial stress you would otherwise feel in your marriage because it allows both partners to structure and budget properly.
You Don’t Make Decisions Alone
A healthy marriage is one where both partners have respect for one another.
Not only does this mean respecting one another’s boundaries and opinions, but it also means that you consult one another before you make big decisions in life – such as career plans.
You show respect to your spouse by going over your professional goals for the future before getting married.
It Won’t Be Easy to Move after You’re Married
When you get married, it’s only natural that you “settle down” to a certain degree. This usually means getting a home together and living in the same place.
But if you want to take a certain job promotion or move to a different city or country for work, it will be much more difficult to do so when you are starting a life with someone else.
It Promotes Healthy Communication
A great marriage is built on open, honest communication. Partners need to be able to talk to each other about anything to learn and grow as a couple.
Not only will talking with your spouse about your career plans strengthen your relationship, but research shows that communication can help improve a couple’s intimate connection and overall wellbeing.
It Helps Partners Understand Job Demands
A good relationship is all about understanding and respecting one another. One way you can help your spouse to do this is by letting them know the specifics about the career you want or the career you already have.
Be upfront about your job demands. Will you often work overtime? Does your career involve travel that might keep you away from family for an extended period of time? Do you have to take work home with you on occasion? If so, be honest about it.
Such a list may sound daunting to a newlywed. Your spouse may be left thinking, “We’re getting married and it already sounds like I’m never going to see you!” or “I feel like I’m coming in second place to your job.”
Reassure your partner that this isn’t the case. Tell them that you value their love and the time you get to spend together. Highlight the positive aspects of your hard work, such as health benefits for the family or freedom from debts.
Your Spare Time is No Longer Yours
When you are single, your time is yours to do as you please with. You can spend your days off with friends, see a movie, focus on work or entrepreneurial endeavors, or travel. But when you are married, your free time becomes a little more complicated to maneuver.
Just like a business, a marriage needs quality time and attention to thrive. Studies show that couples who have a regular date night are less likely to get divorced, have a more satisfying intimate life, and experience a reduction in stress.
Here’s a solid piece of relationship advice: If you intend on using some of your free time to focus on your career goals, you should let your partner know in advance. This way there will be no surprises after you exchange your vows.
Marriage Can make Career Advancement More Difficult
Marriage is a rewarding experience that can bring joy and happiness to your life, but it can also make your career advancement slightly more difficult than if you were single. You will have new responsibilities and debts, such as car loans, buying a house, and not to mention the wedding itself.
By following our relationship advice to talk about your career before getting married, you and your spouse can get on the same page about what you want from your new life together.
Focus on Career Before Kids
Having children and becoming parents in a wonderful experience, but with the cost of raising a child coming in at $233,610 as of 2017, it can also be quite expensive to start a family.
Discussing your career goals before getting married can help you and your partner get on the same page about saving for family planning.
Allows you to Share Support
When you follow our relationship advice to be open about your career goals before tying the knot, you allow your partner to support you during your professional endeavors.
Align Your Goals
By discussing where you see yourself professionally in five years, you also give your partner insight into where you see yourself personally. This will help you both to see how your goals about children, where to live, and how to spend your time will align.
The best relationship advice you can follow is to talk about your career long before walking down the aisle. Doing so will clear up any confusion you or your partner may be having about the future of the relationship. It also allows you to get your finances in order before committing to something that could limit your professional freedom, such as buying a house or starting a family.
