EP#20: Why not us? Being the Breadwinner and Rewriting the Story with Dr. Michelle Dickie

What does it really mean to be the breadwinner, emotionally, practically, and quietly, when you’re also raising a family? In this episode of Friends with Money, I’m joined by my friend Dr. Michelle Dickie, a chiropractor, mom of four, and the primary income earner in her family. Michelle shares how stepping into the breadwinner role wasn’t a single moment, but a gradual shift, one that came with pressure, responsibility, and a lot of unspoken expectations. We talk about the mental load that comes with being “the responsible one,” the guilt many women carry around work and motherhood, and the narratives we’ve inherited about who should be earning what. We also talk about partnership, flexibility, and how Michelle and her husband navigated changing roles at home, especially during the intense tween and teen years. And we explore how she’s now teaching her kids about money in a way that feels open, grounded, and shame-free. This is an honest conversation about carrying financial responsibility without burning out, and about asking a powerful question more women deserve to ask: Why not us? If you’re the breadwinner, becoming one, or quietly holding it all together, I think you’ll feel seen here. Find Dr. Michelle Dickie on IG: @drmichelledickie  Or on her website: www.drmichelledickie.com