We just found out, on Friday, that a couple in my husband’s friend group is expecting a baby. Besides them we are only ones with a child. I used to be included in the friend group but after we found out I was pregnant, everyone cut me off. Pretty typical. I’ve met this couple a few times, but it’s one of my husband’s closest friends. He tells me all of his friend’s business because I don’t gossip. We will call them John and Josie for context.
A little back story they got married and bought a house. It was old and they took out a loan for repairs. Then bought a new ford bronco and new dog. This was a year and half ago. Well John got laid off right after Trump won the election because the company panicked about price increases, you know the story.
My husband tried to help him find a job, but he put zero effort into applying and interviewing. Josie is a preschool teacher. Well on Friday my husband calls me and says they’re pregnant. He was so in shock, you would’ve thought I was the one pregnant haha! After my $75k pregnancy and everything we’ve went through as parents, he was just concerned. Another friend did say John has a job now but a low paying one.
I started a doula business after dealing with college burnout and it’s been pretty successful. It’s hard work but I love it! I also finished a certificate in newborn care while pregnant because we have one newborn care specialist for my whole city. Well today my husband comes up with the bright idea that I should be there doula and mentor them during and after the pregnancy FOR FREE! On Mother’s Day too…I immediately said no. I’m sorry but they voted for Cheeto and it’s not my fault they’re broke and pregnant. I knew this was coming though. Back during my husband’s birthday last year, they were asking A LOT of questions about having a child.
I really scaled back my business after I had my baby. Another reason I said no is because all of my husband’s friends are Christian maga. Anti vax and no birth control (not even cndoms). Some only believe sx is for conception only. I’m not about to bend my policies for his best buddy. But I stay far away from them for a several reasons. My husband and two of his other friends are pretty liberal, so I definitely think that’s another reason why he’s stunned. He just really cares about children, and admires me for being able to handle them. I just have soooo many reasons for saying no. I don’t like to mix business with pleasure.
Just want to say everyone is entitled to their own opinion political or not, but it costs a lot of money to run a business. I’m not willing to take huge risks.
FYI: I don’t ask clients their political views before taking them on, that’s an argument waiting to happen. However, I do have certain situations where a woman is super Crunchy and doesn’t want medical intervention. I can’t work with people like that, it’s a huge liability. I just know this couples views on medicine and it’s not a good idea for me. MAGA can get mad all they want, but it’s not their job on the line! This is not my main source of income, so I’m free to deny anyone I want.
Update: w I forgot to mention wife is 5 months pregnant, just found that out today too. John has been spiraling over finding a job since January. He roped my husband into the job search and now we know why!