My husband and I spent almost 20 years together, raising two children. We made plans for the future, believing that only happiness and stability lay ahead. However, one day, our lives changed. My husband betrayed me with my best friend, which was an unexpected and painful blow.
After the divorce, I was left without financial support. My son was studying at university, my daughter was just starting school, and I had to go abroad to work in order to provide for myself and my children. In a new country, with an unfamiliar language and a completely new job, I had to start from scratch. It wasn’t easy, but I knew I had to make it for the sake of my children’s future.
I managed to find a job as a caregiver for the elderly. Every month, I sent money to my children, hoping it would help them overcome their difficulties. After a few years, my efforts began to bear fruit: my son was able to build his own house, and I helped my daughter and her husband improve their apartment and carry out the necessary renovations.
I worked without days off, sometimes forgetting about my own needs. I saved all my money for the future so that my children could be independent and self-sufficient. However, one day, I realized that it was time to think about myself. And then he appeared—a man I met online. He suggested that I move in with him, rent out my apartment, and start a new life, freeing myself from constant work.
I decided that it was time to take this step and return home. When I arrived at my daughter’s place to see my grandson, I was surprised by my son-in-law’s behavior—he was at home, even though it was a workday. This worried me, so I decided to find out more.
“Why aren’t you at work? Today is Wednesday!” I asked.
“I don’t work,” he replied.
“Since when? Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked in surprise.
“I was laid off two years ago.
Then I realized that all this time, my daughter and son-in-law had been living off my money. This discovery saddened me, so I went to see my son. He supported me and told me that my daughter and her husband had become accustomed to living off others without making any effort to become financially independent.
I understood that I could no longer continue helping adult children who were unwilling to solve their problems on their own. I decided to live for myself and stop working for others.
When my daughter found out about my decision, she cut off contact with me. My son still hopes that I will change my mind. But maybe it’s finally time to start living for myself?
