This is a complex and multifaceted question, the answers to which may vary depending on personal circumstances, cultural background, and societal values. Here is a balanced view of this: **You shouldn’t give up your career:** 1. **Personal fulfillment and self-worth**: Careers provide many people with a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and self-worth. Giving up your career can lead to dissatisfaction, boredom, and even depression. 2. **Financial stability**: A two-income family can provide additional financial security, independence, and freedom. This is especially important when raising children or planning for the future. 3. **Diverse roles**: A career can be a way for personal growth, socialization, and development of new skills. Having both a career and family responsibilities can promote better work-life balance and personal satisfaction. 4. **Role model**: Working parents can set an example of hard work, resilience, and dedication for their children. **A matter of timing and situation:** 1. **Temporary leave**: When you have children, temporary leave or reduced work hours may be necessary to ensure their well-being and care. 2. **Flexible work arrangements**: Many companies offer flexible work arrangements, such as telework, part-time, or part-time work, to help employees balance work and family responsibilities. 3. **Joint decision making**: Spouses can discuss and decide together what is best for their family and personal goals. 4. **Outsourcing and support systems**: Outsourcing household tasks or seeking support from family, friends, or a nanny can help relieve the stress of caring for children and managing a household. **Alternatives to giving up your career:** 1. **Part-time or freelance work**: Consider part-time work, freelance work, or starting a business to maintain career goals and flexibility. 2. **Sabbatical or pause**: Take a temporary break from the workforce to care for the family and then rejoin the workforce once the children are grown. 3. **Career change**: Switch to an industry or role that requires fewer hours or offers more flexible work arrangements. 4. **Family-friendly policies**: Advocate for and take advantage of family-friendly benefits offered by the company, such as maternity leave, paternity leave, and family care leave. **Conclusion:** Spouses should not be absolutely required to give up their careers after getting married. Instead, couples should have an open and honest conversation about their priorities, goals, and values. Ultimately, their decision should be based on their personal circumstances, cultural background, and family needs. By exploring options, compromises, and creative solutions together, couples can find a way to support each other and balance career and family responsibilities.