My husband insisted we split finances 50/50 after his salary increase – I agreed, but with a catch

My husband, James, got promoted, and that’s when everything changed. He insisted we split finances 50/50, even though I had a part-time job to care for our daughter, Emily—a decision he had once encouraged me to make.

When James announced his promotion and doubled salary, I was thrilled—until he suggested splitting all expenses equally. I reminded him I had reduced my work hours for Emily because he pushed the idea, but he dismissed my concerns, claiming it was my choice. Hurt but determined, I agreed, on the condition we formalize it in writing.

The next two years were a struggle. I juggled bills, childcare, and housework, while James basked in his success, buying expensive suits, dining out, and treating me as if I were beneath him. He even excluded me from social events, claiming I wasn’t “on his level.”

When Emily turned six, I decided enough was enough. I called in a favor from Mike, James’ boss and an old friend of mine. James was demoted, blindsided when he realized I had played a role. To his shock, Mike offered me his old position, and I accepted.

When James tried to console himself by saying we’d still earn a lot, I reminded him of our contract: we still split finances 50/50. Overwhelmed by the reversal of roles, James couldn’t handle it, and we eventually divorced. Signing those papers, I felt no regret—he got exactly what he deserved.