Every Month My Husband Sends $17,000 Home, but I Was Shocked to Discover His Living Conditions During a Surprise Visit

If my mother-in-law hadn’t insisted, I might have delayed visiting my husband even longer.

A Tough Decision for Our Family’s Future

My husband and I are factory workers, earning modest and unstable wages based on the volume of production. Two years ago, his company offered him an opportunity to work in a remote area, with all living expenses covered. The catch? He would need to stay there for five years.

At the time, I had just given birth to our son, and my husband was hesitant to leave. But I encouraged him to go. A higher-paying job meant I could manage the household, care for his parents, and raise our child. The money he sent home would help us save for our son’s future and cover family expenses.

When our son turned one, my husband left for the new position. Since then, he’s sent me $17,000 every month without fail. His contributions have drastically improved our living conditions. I’ve been able to provide for his parents’ medical needs and household essentials, while my income of $400 per month covers groceries, childcare, and schooling. The money my husband sends is saved in a bank account for future plans.

A Lonely Life in Isolation

Every evening, my husband and I video call. He often shares how lonely it is, surrounded only by trees and wildlife. Despite having money, he says there’s nowhere to spend it. I reassure him, urging him to hold on for the family’s sake. With a few more years of hard work, we could build a new home and secure a better future.

Last week, however, my husband didn’t call. When I tried reaching him, he didn’t answer. I grew increasingly anxious. His job site is over an hour’s drive from the nearest city, and the area is sparsely populated, making access to medical care difficult. I confided in my in-laws, and they encouraged me to visit him. My mother-in-law offered to help care for our son, so I bought a bus ticket and headed there immediately, bringing along some home-cooked meals for him.

A Shocking Discovery

I arrived early in the morning after an overnight bus ride, followed by a long car journey. My heart sank as I approached his workplace and saw his living conditions.

The area was just as he described—desolate, with no homes nearby, and surrounded by dense trees. The nearest town was over 20 miles away on rough roads.

When I entered his tiny house, I found my husband lying on a makeshift bed, feverish and weak. The house was little more than a small room with a basic kitchen and bathroom. But the walls were decorated with photos of our family.

Seeing me, he mumbled in a daze, asking if he was dreaming. Tears welled up in my eyes. I gave him the medicine I had brought, prepared some soup, and helped him eat.

By midday, he was feeling slightly better. He hugged me tightly and confessed how much he missed me and our son. He admitted the job paid well, but the isolation and loneliness were unbearable. He had no close colleagues nearby, and when he was sick, there was no one to help. He said the only thing keeping him going was the thought of providing for us.

What Should I Do?

I stayed with him for two days before returning home. Since then, I haven’t stopped thinking about his situation. I want to request his company transfer him closer to home, even if it means a pay cut. However, breaking his contract early would require us to pay a significant penalty.

I’m torn—should I prioritize his health and well-being over financial security? What would you do in my shoes?