Katlego Sekhu
A listener shared that, for the longest time, she was unemployed and always made herself available to support her in-laws whenever needed. However, after years of job hunting, she recently secured employment.
When her husband’s uncle passed away, she was unable to attend the funeral due to work commitments. Despite her efforts to be present where possible, her husband and in-laws were unhappy, with some claiming she had changed since getting a job.
“l’ve been unemployed for years, which meant I was always available to support my in-laws whenever something came up, even sleeping over when needed. However, in March, I finally landed a job, something I had prayed for and worked hard to achieve.
“Two weeks ago, my husband’s uncle passed away. I knew I wouldn’t be able to attend anything during the week, but I had planned to head there right after work on Friday and stay for the weekend. Unfortunately, my boss asked me to work on Saturday, the day of the funeral. Still, I kept my word and travelled there Friday after work to help where I could.
“When we were about to leave, my husband summoned his mom, telling me to explain why I wouldn’t attend the funeral. I felt put on the spot. I was hoping he’d shield me, especially since I had already made an effort to be there despite my work schedule.
“My mother-in-law went on and on, saying she had told my husband that once I started working, I’d change, and now she felt vindicated. Her words hurt deeply. I’ve shown up countless times, sometimes even prioritising them over my own family.
“My husband still insists that I should’ve told my boss I had a funeral and taken the day off, even though I was paid to work that Saturday. He says I was trying too hard to please my boss. But I’m really struggling to understand what I did wrong. I’ve always shown up, and now I’m just trying not to mess up the one opportunity l’ve finally been given after years of waiting.
“Had it been my mother-in-law who had passed, I’d hear their argument. This is an Uncle, and over and above this, my track record shows that I do play my part. What could be my blind spot?”
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