I'm reaching out to the community for advice. My husband is a stylist and hairdresser. He owns a small salon where both he and I work. I act as the administrator, the cleaner and the accountant. I'm exhausted. But my husband doesn't pay me a salary, he just gives me money for groceries like he always has.
It's terrible, I work all day but I don't have any money of my own.
I've talked to my husband but he says he can't pay me, that he's already supporting our family.
But I can't go on like this anymore. What should I do?

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  • Good morning Janice. Feel free to reach out if you need to talk. Always trust your instincts and yours are telling you the truth. It's time to set... clear boundaries with your husband. He is treating you poorly and you deserve so much more. I'm here if you need to talk.  more

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  • Dear Janice, its all about communication okayyy, most of makes mistakes which later lands us into our own grave that's why it's very necessary when... planning the future with a spouse especially if there is a business involved so just talk to him and gives an accounts on why it is necessary to get small allowance for your pocket cuz there are certain stuff you can't even ask money from him. Thank you more

  • Is the business for the family or he is manager for someone else?
    Sit down and share with him your plans you have for the family and your needs as a... housewife
    Then share the possibility of you over working and breaking down what will come out when you are down after
    And employing other people and the outcome for the family you as a human being have personal needs to be met to avoid things which demoralize you at the work place
     more

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  • I this even real, are you living in the 1940's? Get a new job and a new husband, both situations sound awful.

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  • I think perhaps you should find something else for work and let him hire someone you need your money for things besides groceries too

  • Stop working for him and find a new job. He'll beg you to come back or pay you properly.

    But by then you'll have a new job. It is simple.

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  • Married or not, you're an employee in his business. You need to get paid or leave.

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  • What I hear in your words is this:
    your husband has never truly seen you, and he never will. This is your time for change. You are far more capable... than you realise - and more than he ever was.
    It’s time to step into your power.
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  • This is a family business, and both you and your husband are direct beneficiaries 👩‍❤️‍👨🏢. I believe it may not be ideal for you to request a fixed... salary 💰.

    Instead, consider preparing *regular financial reports* 📊 for the business and then *propose to your husband* that both of you receive a *personalised commission* — a certain percentage of the *overall profit* 📈.

    It’s difficult to pay yourself a salary when you already have insight into how much or how little the business is making 🤔. A more practical and fair approach would be to *agree on sharing a set percentage* of the net profits 💼🤝.
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  • I'm fairly certain your services are tax deductible. . .

  • Dear Janice Davis-Arno,

    I'm deeply concerned about your situation working at your husband's salon without receiving a salary. This arrangement raises... questions about fairness, exploitation, and your rights as an individual. If there was a prior agreement or contract promising you compensation, it's essential to understand your legal standing.

    To better understand your situation, could you clarify:

    1. Was there a written or verbal agreement regarding your compensation?
    2. If so, what were the terms of the agreement?

    Given your circumstances, it might be helpful to have an open conversation with your husband about how this situation is affecting you emotionally, mentally, and financially. If this conversation doesn't lead to a resolution, you may want to consider seeking advice from a legal professional or a counselor who can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.

    Your well-being and rights are important, and there are resources available to support you.

    Best regards,

    Felix.
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  • Listen you can go get a job let him hire somebody u need your own income what life is that for you working all day no paycheck ok slavery is over... tell him to post the position give him two weeks u need to get a job of your own and create your own income if he loves you he will understand
    When he has to hire see what that salary is and demand it that’s it
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  • Disregard the word less!!

  • The key statement you made is “my HUSBAND OWNS a small salon where we both work “
    Has he not made you a co-owner? It sounds as though you’ve come to... realize something isn’t adding up, no pun intended and the feeling of resentment is starting to set in which will have a profound effect on your marriage. Speak with your spouse regarding business partnership. Great things can happen in the household when there’s more than one income. Side bar: Is your husband a narcissist and you’re the empathetic? Food for thought.
    Best wishes!
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  • Go get yourself a job.
    Then he will have to hire someone

    Just wondering what your marriage agreement is?
    ???????????????

  • Form a corporation where you have 50% of the business and include a 401K retirement fund where the savings are shared 50:50.
    I did this with my wife... and it made a huge difference. She could see her retirement grow and she gained a stronger sense of partnership in the business.  more

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  • This is a family business and everyone is benefiting from the business. As an administrator, accountant, cleaner etc. tell us how much income... (profits) you get from the business and how much you have saved? so that can now advice you accordingly. But if your husband is spending the money for the common good of the family please don't complain. If you ask him for anything he will provide you. more

  • I would stop volunteering for him. You have many talents. I am sure someone will see your value and pay you for your work.

  • It’s important for both you and your husband to recognise the value of your work in the salon. Here’s some advice to consider:

    Account for Salaries... Properly:
    You and your husband should calculate the salon’s income and expenses, including a fair salary for both of you. Treat your roles as paid positions—stylist and administrator/accountant/cleaner. This will give a clear picture of the true profitability of the business.

    Assess Profit or Loss:
    After deducting realistic salaries for both of you from the salon’s revenue, see whether the business is making a profit or running at a loss.

    If Running at a Loss:
    If the salon cannot cover both salaries, it means the business is not financially sustainable in its current form. Continuing without a proper salary is draining and unfair to you.

    Consider Alternatives:
    In this case, it might be better to look for paid jobs where you both can receive regular income rather than working unpaid in your own business.
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  • Ok, all of this advice is fine, but the way to serve both is to show him how much cheaper it is to pay you a salary for one year to replace you. For... example: How much is it to pay and train someone to perform the way that you do, no to mention because you are supporting each other and have a supporting relationship means to you both cant be replaced. How much will it cost to hire an administrator, a cleaner and accountant. You bring unique attributes to each of these roles that can not be duplicated, you know about the importance of success the business, when an employee is working for a pay check. If you frame the argument (unique value) for your salary vs. paying three other employees then you can win.
    Please share your thoughts or if you need help framing it all contact me. less
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