I’m a female breadwinner earning ten times more than alpha male my husband – this is how I saved my marriage
A Tennessee entrepreneur feared her and her husband’s bond would break after they learned at a tax meeting that she was making significantly more money than him.
Amy Porterfield, 47, spoke with Business insider earlier this month about her marriage to her husband Hobie, and how being the breadwinner didn’t destroy their relationship but required some adjustments for both of them.
The entrepreneur is a writer, online marketing expert and founder of Amy Porterfield, Inc. who moved to Nashville with her husband three years ago.
After they both moved away, Amy and her husband, whom she called “a true alpha male,” decided it would be best if he retired.
Problems arose due to Hobie’s early retirement, but the businesswoman told Business Insider that it ultimately strengthened and saved their marriage.
Amy Porterfield, 47, is the female breadwinner of her family and previously earned ten times more than her husband, Hobie, on her annual salary
Hobie was a general contractor training to be a firefighter in California while Amy got her company, Amy Porterfield, Inc., off the ground
Before Hobie made his big career move, he was a general contractor working to become a firefighter in California.
Amy was director of content development for Anthony Robbins Companies in San Diego, where she worked for almost seven years.
The entrepreneur explained to Business Insider that she was inspired to make her own decisions after Anthony brought internet marketers to a meeting.
She noticed that the entrepreneurs in the meeting set their working hours and had creative freedom, which she wanted.
Amy created a business plan and in 2009 she founded Amy Porterfield, Inc. at – a social media consultancy where she is the CEO and host of the podcast Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield.
The entrepreneur confirmed to Business Insider that two years after founding the consulting firm, she started making more money than she expected.
Amy’s goal in starting the business was to make money her way and not be the breadwinner for Hobie and her stepson.
She realized her company’s growth success during its third year of operation and eventually started making more money than Hobie.
Speaking to Business Insider, Amy noted that she and Hobie have no children, but do have one stepson
Amy discovered she made more money than Hobie during a tax discussion with their accountant.
The online marketing expert told Business Insider that their accountant split her and Hobie’s annual salaries and that she outspent her husband.
As a firefighter, Hobie had earned $100,000 a year, while Amy earned $1 million in revenue during her company’s third year of operation.
Hobie assured Amy that he was proud of her for having such a high income, but it felt strange knowing that she made more money than him.
Amy’s salary remained higher than Hobie’s over the years, and he had no hesitation in supporting and congratulating her on her success.
Once the couple moved to Nashville, they had a serious conversation about Hobie’s future, which led to his retirement.
Amy and Hobie’s accountant told the couple that the firefighter’s salary was $100,000 and that Amy earned $1 million in revenue during her company’s third year of business.
Amy told Business Insider that her job allowed her to move anywhere, but Hobie’s career wasn’t as flexible.
Tennessee is required to recognize fire service certificates issued by an entity accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress or the National Board of Professional Qualifications, according to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Despite this rule, Amy said Hobie still should have risen through the ranks again at another firehouse.
The couple ultimately decided it would be best for him to retire early, and Amy told Business Insider that she was initially more supportive of the decision than Hobie.
Hobie had a hard time adjusting to life in retirement because she felt uncomfortable with the idea of not earning money to provide for their family.
He also struggled with the idea of not having a job that gave him purpose, leaving Amy worried that her husband would resent her for the decision.
Amy’s business continued to thrive and as Hobie struggled to move up the ranks in the Tennessee fire service, they decided it was best for him to retire.
Amy was honest with Hobie about her fears, which led to the couple creating guidelines on what to do with his retirement.
While the entrepreneur is the breadwinner who makes the money, Hobie is the man who runs the household and manages their personal lives.
Hobie regularly does things like grocery shopping, lawn work, laundry and making appointments.
He is also responsible for vehicle maintenance and management of contractors and renovations.
He and Amy still manage their investments and retirement accounts together, while he pays the bills. Last year, she raised a whopping $20 million for their family and published a self-help book for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Amy earned $20 million in revenue last year and published her book Two Weeks Notice: Find the Courage to Quit Your Job, Earn More Money, Work Where You Want, and Change the World
Amy revealed to Business Insider that she occasionally felt jealous of Hobie’s free time during a stressful day at work.
However, she always loved that he said, “How can I make this easier for you?” What do you need from me?’ when stress got to her.
Amy’s company currently has 23 full-time employees, many of whom are women.
The entrepreneur, who is also the author of Two Weeks Notice: Find the Courage to Stop Your Job, Make More Money, Work Where You Want, and Change the World, told Business Insider that she “exemplifies a lifestyle that many women would can have’. I don’t think it’s possible for them.’
When it comes to her relationship with her husband, she emphasizes that communication has been key to maintaining their strong bond as their domestic roles have developed.