My MIL threw out my stuff, kicked me out, yelled, A poor girl like you has no place in our new house

The Daughter-in-Law Excluded

Hello, my name is Evelyn, and I recently turned 32. I am employed at an International Investment Company which focuses on foreign markets.

My husband, Brian, works in the service sector. His job security is precarious as his contract renews annually. This lack of stability brings a sense of unease each year.

Brian comes from a family that holds government positions in high esteem. Both his parents were government employees, and his sister currently holds a government job.

They view my role in the private sector with a certain disdain. They have openly criticized my employment at a company aiming to generate profit.

A prevailing notion among some is that private company individuals failed to secure government jobs. Working for a foreign company is often a last resort.

Brian, influenced by his family, clings to his job despite its temporary nature. It affords him a certain level of societal standing and income.

Once, I asked Brian if a permanent position might be safer than his temporary government role. He responded quickly, suggesting that if he couldn’t be a civil servant, he’d rather not work at all.

He hasn’t disclosed to his parents that his role is not permanent, insisting that I keep this a secret. Brian maintains a facade for his family, striving to appear successful and stable.

He keeps the details of his finances rather private, rarely sharing his salary statements with me. Only modest sums are transferred into our joint account.

As a bond trader, I earn well, largely through commissions and consistent profits. My role has me earning substantially, often more than other corporate employees.

Curious about his earnings, I once inquired during a family gathering.

“Brian is a section manager now, surely his salary has seen a boost. How much does he earn now?”.

He responded curtly with just six words. My mother-in-law (MIL) seemed impressed when Brian hinted at my income.

She admitted she couldn’t gauge it against the earnings from her era.

“It seems Brian is doing well,” she commented proudly.

His sister chimed in, hinting Brian might have been division head if he were in her position.

“Government jobs do pay well, don’t they?” she remarked.

Witnessing the reactions, Brian appeared increasingly uncomfortable, regretting he had brought up my salary at all. He quickly diverted conversation.

“Let’s not talk about salaries anymore. By the way, did anyone meet with the housing company representative who visited recently? Are we considering Renovations for this house?”.

A sales rep had visited, and sensing Brian’s need to switch topics, I played along, discussing potential Home Improvements.

“As for the kitchen remodeling we were thinking,”.

MIL sharply interrupted.

“Stay out of Family Matters, you’re just a daughter-in-law. Keep quiet and do as you’re told.”.

Her glare was piercing, almost fearful. It was clear she remained perpetually dissatisfied with anything I contributed.

MIL’s dissatisfaction stems from the fact that I’m not employed by the government, a prestigious occupation in her eyes. She also believes I control Brian’s earnings and dictate his spending via an allowance.

In reality, Brian’s salary primarily covers his personal expenses. The majority of our household costs are funded by my income from working at a foreign investment firm.

My sister-in-law (SIL) lives with us as well and does not contribute financially to the household. She often makes remarks hinting that we are financially comfortable.

“You’re taking money from an elderly couple who only have their pension, and Brian earns a lot, so you’re not struggling, right?”.

Living in the family home saves us the burden of rent, allowing us to get by on my salary alone. After dinner, discussions about possibly working with a housing company arose.

I found myself excluded and chose instead to busy myself by cleaning up the kitchen. Neither my MIL nor SIL lifted a finger to help with the chores.

I quickly returned to the routine of cooking, cleaning, and laundry tasks I undertake daily without respite.