Pay Dirt, Slate’s money advice column, recently received a letter from a reader who is struggling with the division of household responsibilities now that their husband has transitioned to a part-time job. The reader, who works long hours in a demanding job, used to rely on various services to help manage their home, but had to cut back on expenses when their husband left his high-stress career. Despite being home more often, the husband refuses to pick up the slack, leading to frustration and resentment in the relationship.
The advice given by the columnist is straightforward: sit down with your husband and divide household tasks evenly. Use tools like the Fair Play system to ensure a fair distribution of responsibilities. If your husband continues to resist, it may be a sign of larger issues in the relationship that require counseling. The key takeaway is that running a household should be a joint effort, with both partners contributing equally to maintain a healthy and balanced home life.
In another letter, a reader seeks advice on the ethics of hiring teenagers to work in their business during the summer. The reader, who values the skills and work ethic of the teenagers in question, wants to provide them with a valuable learning opportunity. The columnist advises the reader to be mindful of labor laws and to ensure that the teenagers are compensated fairly for their work. It is important to provide guidance and support to young workers who may be new to the business environment.
Lastly, a reader expresses frustration at constantly subsidizing their car-free friends’ lifestyles by providing transportation for weekend adventures. Despite advocating for sustainable living and environmental consciousness, the reader feels taken advantage of by friends who never offer to return the favor. The columnist suggests having an open conversation with friends about sharing the costs of transportation or exploring alternative arrangements, such as renting a car for group outings. Ultimately, the reader is encouraged to prioritize their own needs and seek out friends who are willing to share the financial burden of activities.
Overall, the advice provided in Pay Dirt addresses common issues related to money, relationships, and ethical dilemmas. By offering practical solutions and encouraging open communication, the column aims to help readers navigate challenging situations and make informed decisions in their lives.
