How do you know when you can't manage the house on your own anymore and what do you do then? (original) (raw)

For reasons due to jobs we had once, we live about 600 miles from my family and 300 miles from his. We bought a house with a 3 acre yard in the middle of nowhere 10 years ago when we were strong and healthy. DH is sicker than I am and I end up doing most of the chores. I do not look forward to mowing that blasted 2 acres of grass this year. Last year we had a guy come and mow one acre when the mower was broken and we were waiting for the repairman to get around to us and that was $75, something I don't care to pay often. I need to touch up paint on the fence and the shed, shampoo the carpets, and give the kitchen a good clean, all things I really don't think I can pay others to do. Its tiring, but I can still do it.

Yesterday, I realized I was jealous of my mom having my brothers and my aunt and uncle to take her to the doctor and do things for her. My family is more likely to help out than his. Plus, there's more of them in one spot.

When do you pack it in and move back to where the family lives to have support? When do you know you can't do it all anymore and what comes next?

I belong to a sewing circle and he doesn't know anyone at all. He never goes anywhere for fun. I don't socialize with the sewing circle people much, even when I'm there and never outside of the weekly meet. They've actually told me to sew less and talk more. I'm just naturally quiet.