Move Away From My Wife To Start a Business?

Summary

Summary of "Move Away From My Wife To Start a Business?" Episode

Podcast: The Ramsey Show Highlights
Host: Ramsey Network
Release Date: June 21, 2025
Duration: Approximately 4 minutes and 30 seconds
Participants: Dave Ramsey, Cameron (Caller), Dr. John Delony

---

1. Introduction

In the episode titled "Move Away From My Wife To Start a Business?", the host, Dave Ramsey, addresses a pressing personal dilemma faced by a caller named Cameron. The episode delves into the complexities of balancing marital relationships with entrepreneurial ambitions, especially amidst significant life transitions.

---

2. Caller's Dilemma

Cameron's Concern: Cameron reaches out with apprehension about relocating away from his wife to launch a plumbing business. He fears that this move might negatively impact his role as a husband and a leader.

• Timestamp [00:06]:
  Cameron: "I was just wondering if I would be a bad husband or leader for wanting to move away from my wife to start a business."

Details of the Situation: Cameron plans to move to his hometown, Carson City, Nevada, indefinitely. This decision coincides with his wife's ongoing graduate studies to become a physician assistant, which are expected to last another year and a half.

• Timestamp [00:16]:
  Dave Ramsey: "Cameron, how far are you moving away and for how long will you be away from your wife?"

• Timestamp [00:25]:
  Cameron: "It's moving back to our hometown in Carson City, Nevada, and it would be for indefinitely. She's currently in graduate school to become a physician assistant, so it would be until her schooling is done."

---

3. Host's Initial Response and Analysis

Dave Ramsey provides a candid and direct assessment of Cameron's plan, emphasizing the potential ramifications on Cameron's marriage and personal well-being.

• Timestamp [01:08]:
  Dave Ramsey: "I think this was a horrible idea, and I think it's a horrible idea number one, because your wife is not a fan of it. She's in transition. She's not a fan of it. That's a bad relationship move that is always foundational for me."

Ramsey underscores the importance of prioritizing the marital relationship during such a critical period of transition.

---

4. Exploring Alternatives

Ramsey suggests that Cameron has viable options to start his plumbing business without needing to relocate, thereby maintaining proximity to his wife and supporting her through her studies.

• Timestamp [01:29]:
  Dave Ramsey: "You could start your business somewhere else and be home and be with her. So starting the business somewhere else in your hometown to escape some difficult people is not the right solution."

Ramsey encourages Cameron to consider leveraging his current environment and network to embark on his entrepreneurial journey without compromising his relationship.

---

5. Expert Opinion and Collaborative Discussion

Dr. John Delony joins the conversation, reinforcing Ramsey's stance and highlighting the long-term benefits of maintaining marital stability over short-term business gains.

• Timestamp [04:08]:
  John Delony: "Cameron, you gotta suck it up. And then, when she's out of transition, when she kind of knows what she's doing, you can be a plumber anywhere, which is fantastic actually."

Delony emphasizes that enduring the challenging period together can lead to mutual financial and personal growth once Cameron's wife completes her studies.

---

6. Emphasis on Relationship Prioritization

Both Ramsey and Delony reiterate the critical importance of Cameron's marital relationship over his business aspirations, especially in the foundational first year of marriage.

• Timestamp [03:56]:
  Cameron: "Friday will be our one year anniversary."

• Timestamp [04:11]:
  John Delony: "For a year and a half. Cameron, you gotta suck it up."

Ramsey reinforces that neglecting the relationship can have long-term detrimental effects that may outweigh the potential benefits of relocating for business.

---

7. Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The episode concludes with a strong advisory against moving away solely for business reasons, especially when it conflicts with marital harmony and mutual support during significant life changes. The consensus from both experts is clear:

• Maintain Relationship Stability: Prioritize your relationship, especially during pivotal transitions.
• Explore Local Opportunities: Utilize existing networks and resources to pursue business ventures without disrupting personal life.
• Long-Term Perspective: Consider the unpredictable nature of life changes and the importance of adaptability within marital partnerships.

---

Notable Quotes

• Dave Ramsey [01:08]:
  "That's a bad relationship move that is always foundational for me."

• John Delony [04:08]:
  "And then, when she's out of transition, when she kind of knows what she's doing, you can be a plumber anywhere, which is fantastic actually."

• Cameron [03:56]:
  "Friday will be our one year anniversary."

---

Final Thoughts

"Move Away From My Wife To Start a Business?" serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate balance between personal relationships and professional ambitions. Through candid dialogue and expert advice, the episode advocates for thoughtful decision-making that upholds marital commitments while still encouraging entrepreneurial spirit within supportive frameworks.

Transcript

[Dave Ramsey]

Brought to you by the EveryDollar app. Start budgeting for free today.

[Cameron]

I was just wondering if I would be a bad husband or leader for wanting to move away from my wife to start a business.

[Dave Ramsey]

Wow. Coming with a fastball. Cameron, how far are you moving away and for how long will you be away from your wife?

[Cameron]

So it would be moving back to our hometown in Carson City, Nevada, and it would be for indefinitely. She's currently in graduate school to become a physician assistant, so it would be until her schooling is done.

[Dave Ramsey]

How long would that be?

[Cameron]

She's got a year and a half left, but the majority of next year will be clinical rotation. So she could be all over the place.

[John Delony]

But all of the place being all over America, like, she could be in a different city.

[Cameron]

We're not sure.

[John Delony]

Okay.

[Dave Ramsey]

I, you know, I think this is funny. My first reaction is, is what does she think about this idea? Because the guy cuts the vote. That kind of counts. So I'm assuming you've brought this up to her.

[Cameron]

Yeah, I have. She's not. She's not a huge fan of the idea.

[Dave Ramsey]

Oh, there's your.

[Cameron]

The problem is I'm just burnt out at work and just the area.

[Dave Ramsey]

What business are you trying to start in Carson City?

[Cameron]

It's a plumbing company. I'm a plumber. So new construction, plumbing, everything.

[Dave Ramsey]

And you're burned out from being a plumber in the Portland area?

[Cameron]

Yeah, you know, it's the people I'm working around and just the. I guess just the society of the area. You know, it's not what I'm used to.

[John Delony]

The city in general.

[Cameron]

Yeah.

[John Delony]

Okay.

[Dave Ramsey]

Well, sure. It's a different type of demographic in Carson City.

[John Delony]

Well, is there. Sorry, what's the opportunity in Carson City? Is it just the idea that I'm going to go back home and just start something, or is there some, like, an actual thing that someone's like, hey, Cameron, need you to come take over this company? Or like, what's the situation?

[Cameron]

No, so I'm. I'm licensed and I already have an LLC formed so pretty. All the work is done and I have a lot of contacts there and I could just be. I could make a lot more money than what I'm making now and feel like I would just be a lot happier.

[Dave Ramsey]

Are you working for somebody now or you work for yourself?

[Cameron]

Yes, I'm working for somebody now.

[Dave Ramsey]

All right. You called. I'm going to shoot you really straight. That's what you want, correct?

[Cameron]

Yep.

[Dave Ramsey]

Okay. I think this was a horrible idea, and I think it's a horrible idea number one, because your wife is not a fan of it. She's in transition. She's not a fan of it. That's a bad relationship move that is always foundational for me. Horrible idea number two, because you can get plenty of plumbing work, there is a lack of plumbers everywhere and you could start your own business where you are and be home and be with her. So starting the business somewhere else in your hometown to escape some difficult people is not the right solution. I don't think it's mature and I'm not knocking you when I say that. I just don't think you've thought it through because I think there's a lot of emotion there and I'm completely devoid of emotion because I don't have to deal with it. And I think the third thing is you don't know where your wife is going to end up a year and a half from now anyway. So to put all of that effort, if I didn't have the first two reasons and the only reason was this one, to go back home, start a business and then your wife go, hey, babe, I got great news. I just got a great PA job in Fort Lauderdale or wherever. You don't know the future. I think staying put and making the best of your current situation by maybe working for yourself where you currently are and learn from what you've experienced.

[John Delony]

And for a year and a half, it's for a year and a half.

[Dave Ramsey]

A year and a half. We don't know where we're going to end up.

[John Delony]

Yeah, it's too much transition right now. Cameron, how long have you guys been married?

[Cameron]

Friday will be our one year anniversary.

[Dave Ramsey]

Oh, no.

[John Delony]

Don't do this camera.

[Dave Ramsey]

This is an absolute nuclear. No way do you do this. Cameron, bro.

[John Delony]

For a year and a half. Cameron, you gotta suck it up.

[Dave Ramsey]

Suck it up. Sorry.

[John Delony]

Suck it up. And then, and then when she's, when she's out of transition, when she kind of knows what she's doing, you can be a plumber anywhere, which is fantastic actually, because you can make a killing having man. Someone in the medical field and a plumber. Y' all are gonna make a lot of money.

[Dave Ramsey]

A lot of money.

[John Delony]

But your relationship is so key in this, especially this first year. So.

[Dave Ramsey]

Oh my gosh, you should have led with that. I wouldn't even have given you my great reasons. That one trumps all of my reasons. And by the way, on behalf of all people who use plumbers, keep your pants pulled up. Create your free every dollar budget today. The simplest way to budget for your life.