Just when I thought having my mother-in-law visit would be good for my wife, it turned into a total disaster. She made trouble on purpose, and I knew I couldn’t just let it slide.
My wife’s mom, Catherine, moved in with us for what she called “a few months.” At first, I didn’t mind. Rachel was happy to have her around, and I thought a bit of family time could be good — especially since I was knee-deep in job interviews, hoping to get a better IT role.
Rachel had been laid off not long before, and without her income, things started to slip.
We were in a financial bind. My job covered the basics, but it wasn’t enough to stay ahead. Our home loan was the biggest weight, and each month it got harder to keep up.
Bills piled up fast — utilities, insurance, food. We had to cut corners and delay payments. It was exhausting.
I wasn’t jobless, but we needed more.
I needed a better salary — something stable that could help us catch up and maybe breathe a little easier.
So I started looking. I applied to every strong opportunity I could find.
I usually interviewed from home. It seemed simple enough.
But it became a disaster with my mother-in-law around.
Every time I had a virtual interview, Catherine exploded into chaos.
She would turn the TV to full blast, play loud ’70s music, and talk on the phone like she was in a stadium.
At first, I thought maybe she just forgot.
After one interview ended in disaster, I stepped out of the study and found Catherine in the living room.
Me: “Could you please keep it down during my calls? The TV was so loud I could barely hear myself talk.”
Catherine: “Oh, I’m sorry, Josh.
I didn’t realize it was that loud. I just put it on without thinking.”
Me: “It really threw me off. These interviews are important, and I need as much focus as I can get.”
Catherine: “I understand.
I wasn’t trying to bother you. I’ll make sure to turn it down next time.”
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