The constant disagreement between my husband and me mainly revolves around money. He tends to be somewhat extravagant while I prefer more frugality. What may surprise you is the primary point of our discord: he spends a tremendous amount of money on food.
My husband’s workplace is a fire station, where his shift extends over 24 hours. If his earnings were commensurate with that of a recognized California firefighter, this wouldn’t be a significant issue. However, he’s not yet there; his wages only slightly exceed California’s minimum, despite our fervent wishes to the contrary. And yet, each day at work, he is obligated to contribute $10 to the communal meal fund along with an additional $5 for kitchen essentials like condiments and coffee.
While balancing our budget, I was taken aback by the figures; within just 11 days, he’d spent $172 solely on his food at his workplace. This hugely unsettled me. On top of his regular daily $10 meal contribution, he also indulges in outdoor snacks, adding an extra $10 to his daily food expenses. The mere act of feeding him while he’s at work is costing us between $20-30 a day!
Additionally, every time he visits another fire station to gain insights on his desired career path, there is an unspoken (and, in my opinion, nonsensical) rule to bring some form of food offering. As a result, he ends up investing $50 more in name-brand edibles for the existing firefighters.
The steep cost of pursuing a firefighting career, given the minimal earnings on the route, has been a tremendous strain on our marriage over the past two years. Frankly, I’m amazed at how single firefighting aspirants manage to survive without a financial support system.
As well as food expenses, there are charges for certifications, fire academy courses, interview-related travel, accommodations, and other expenses incurred during the interview and testing processes.
It feels as though my husband’s spending and my efforts to generate income are in constant conflict, which is admittedly exhausting. Nevertheless, we persist, fueled by our anticipation of him finally achieving his dream of becoming a firefighter. That day will surely be the second most joyous occasion of my life, next only to our wedding day.
Although the journey to becoming a firefighter has proved extremely challenging, we know we’re on the brink of concluding this chapter. The end reward of a steady income and a respected profession will undoubtedly make our struggle worthwhile.
Photo credit: www.brettarthurphoto.com
