Is it okay for women to make more money than men?

Question

my wife and i are both family doctors. She makes $140k while i make $120k, and i have no problem with that. I am actually proud that she is worth more than me in the medical market.

But, while at a party, a friend of mine was outraged that i made less than my wife for some reason. i told him that i was proud and had no problem with that, but i think he had issues with male-biased thinking.

Answer 1

no offence to your friend but he needs to get with the 21st centerary this is becoming a more and more common thing, women are becoming just as independent as the men i think you should just feel lucky that together you are pulling in a 1/4 of a mil a year between the two of you and stop being bothered by peoples opinions so much.

Answer 2

I mean this in an extremely friendly way, but my friend, you seem to have too much free time. Most people never get the opportunity to worry about how much they make compared to their wife because they are getting ready for their second job.

120K and 140K and you're worried about the fact that you earn 85% of what your wife earns? My friend, YOU EARN $260,000 dollars a year as a couple, as a team! If the gender disparity is truly bothering you I'm sorry to poke fun, but look on the bright side, YOU EARN $260,000 a year!

Personally I also earn about 85% of what my wife earns. And it can be a pain in the *** at times. But this is only when I wish that I could provide more. If you need more that a quarter of a million a year and are still not satisfied,you should probably start searching for happiness at somewhere other than your bank. GO ON AN ADVENTURE. (trust me, you can afford it)
One suggestion to not get in this bind again, do not discuss actual income with your friends. Its tacky to begin with and now you have this problem.

Answer 3

There is some law called Equal Pay For Equal Work (in Maryland anyway, not sure about other states). As long your doing the same job you should be payed the same. Your wife must have a larger practice. It's perfectly fine for your wife to make more than you. Tell your friend this is the 21st century and not the 1960's.

Answer 4

I would agree with your last statement. It seems that a lot of men feel they need to be the major bread-winner.

There have been times where I have made more than my husband; he's now making far more than I am. Which is great! Good for him.

Good for you! Continue to be proud of her. Having worked for the Neurology department of a major university, I saw how much the female doctors/scientists went through vs the male doctors. It's a struggle and if they can advance beyond a colleague, that is remarkable.

Answer 5

It is a common issue in todays world, still, sadly. I think it is wonderful that you are proud of your wife. If he was "outraged" then I would say he has some serious gender equality issues, at the very least. It is his problem though, and all men that think in that same way. Fortunately many people have grown out of that silliness.

Answer 6

Seems you pretty much answerd your own question. My concern would be this. Why in God's name would you discuss your salary with ANYONE, no less sharing it with millions on the internet? It's no one's business for one thing. Secondly, it's personal. I can't imagine sharing that information, or anyone asking. Lastly, you may be "proud", but I don't get why you even think of that salary difference as a means of one's worth over another. You should be proud of your wife for any number of reasons, but not because of what she gets in a paycheck. That's the last thing that you should be judging yours and anyone else's worth. And you should be just as pround of your own accomplishments. From here... I would see you as equals.

The sadest part is that you think you have to ask millions of strangers if they think it's okay that your wife earns a little more than you? Why would you even care what we think? What would you do if people said "No, it's not okay?" Leave her? Tell her to quit her job? Try being a little more sure of yourself.

Answer 7

It is a splendid that women earn mere than her husband. First, this fact tells that men in such position show that they have found a smart woman. In addition she is able to give nice gifts. Such examples tells a lot about abilities in life:
She may buy a more expensive car, and may pay for it if when wrecked. And so on. Even a divorce may be profitable - she has to pay her part. Isn't this nice?

Answer 8

Hey, if someone thinks she's worth more, I say more power to her! My wife's a stay at home mom, and frankly, she's got the most underpaid job out there! I think as long as you've got the schooling/knowledge/drive to back up what you're doing, go make what people are willing to pay you! Gender shouldn't matter!

Answer 9

Shows his lack of intelligence, macho bull if you ask me. I would love for my wife to make more than me, that way I could qork part time and go back to finish school. I currently barely out earn her, which is fine, she feels good about it and could care less and is proud tha tI make a lot of money and I could really care less about what she makes as long as our bills get paid. Good Luck and Bravo to your wife for making good money, shes earned it after going through all the schooling.

Answer 10

Sounds like you know the answer to this one yourself. My husband is upset that right now I make more than he does and it causes some problems in our marriage. But my children nor I will want for anything. So either be satisfied or prepare for problems, which would do you think is the right road to pick?