Pride versus being practical

WE have been married for over 30 years. When our joint business failed, my wife had to work for her eldest brother in a retail outlet. Prior to that, we lived 200km away from her family. Now we are in the same town as my in-laws – mother and siblings.
Besides working at the retail outlet, my wife has to help her brother entertain his clients under a wholesale operation. This means lots of late nights. She also has to run errands for her family because her car belongs to her brother's company.
My wife leaves the house very early and returns very late to sleep. I have tried persuading her to switch jobs as I feel she is being exploited. But as the eldest, she feels it is her duty to help
every member of her family.
After two years of cajoling, would it be foolish to take up her offer of a separation? Or should I raise the matter of her leaving the company, yet again? We are quite elderly – our youngest child is 17.
Stressed Out

ARE you upset that your wife has to work so hard and late, or do you resent her having to spend so much time on her family? You feel that she is being exploited, but perhaps she is simply doing her best for you and the children.
Although you mean well and feel that your wife will be better off doing something else, it's unfair to put pressure on her. At her age, what are her chances of getting a job she can be comfortable with? She must be happy working with
her family, earning a steady income and getting a company car. If she felt like you do, that she is doing more than she should, surely she would decide to leave.
Try to understand and support her instead of pushing her to the point of separation. At a time when you both should be planning for retirement and time for yourselves, she has to work, run family errands and be grateful for the job.
She must feel tired and worn out. Does she have a choice? Can the family manage without her income?
Do not allow pride to ruin your marriage. Perhaps you can consider driving your mother-in-law around and taking on some of your wife’s errands. Or get a job so that she can take a break from work. Let her know that you love and care about her. Be there for her, not nag and complain whenever you see her.
Talk to your wife and understand how she feels. Work out the problems together instead of trying to shift the blame. Agreeing to a separation is a selfish, irresponsible way out. As the man in the family, take on the challenge of taking care of your household.
Be proud that you can manage regardless of hard times, as long as you are happy together.