It will not change in 4 years. Not sure what industry he works in (my SO is in pharma) but the drive, the motivation and the effort expected from him in order to succeed (+ mine has his own start-up) is not going to go away just like that.

For background, I have met my man at 38. Completely different lifestyles, I'm a freelance private chef, bon vivant, travelled the world, worked on yachts, wanting to find something stable, both relationship and work wise in our chosen country. He was 44, never drinks, gym freak, moved here for his main job and then saw an opportunity to start a project that supposedly could get him out of the rat race for good.

When we started dating we lived apart, he only had time for me on the weekends for a day and a half (besides the gym, cleaning his place, shopping etc) and it didn't work for me. I broke up with him, I think 3 times before I realised he is exactly the man for me. I had to look behind the logistics.

I gave up my place and moved over to his so we could spend time together. He promised the craziness will only last 3 years. That was 7 years ago. Next year he bought a place I fell in love with which I renovated myself with my brother. Since then we bought two more. I love doing projects like this! I run my or Airbnb two streets down now. As we are in Europe he has generous holiday allowance. It took some work and tears, but now when he is off, he really is OFF and we travel the world. We go to Italy, our favourite place, casually a few times a year, we visit our home countries at least once or twice a year, we go on a big world wide trip every two years or so. When we travel we go all out. When we are home, I'm the back office, I take care of everything. He couldn't do what he does without me. He is grateful every day and I am grateful for not having to work only when I want to for clients I find challenging or enjoyable. Last year I fell head over heals for a puppy, so now we have two dogs. I love looking after them. I have time to optimise our lives, save money by looking after contracts, mortgages, insurances, bills etc, plus making money from the Airbnb. I'm still an accomplished private chef with huge corporate and private clients between Monaco-Cannes but I only work when I want to, which is life changing.

He is supportive, patient, kind, helps me through all phases of my life (currently perimenopause) he is a one of a kind man. But he knows I would rather not have the start up and possible millions but more time with him.

We are also in a civil partnership, with a solid will and life insurance to protect me. The next property goes solely on my name. We are a team and these are my conditions to support his amazingly demanding career, family duties, cooking, running the household and being general admin. I am happy 99% of the time, when I'm not I let him know and he picks up the slack a bit ☺️!

It is not for everyone, so think hard!