My husband is content with his nearly $200 monthly salary thanks to house gift from his parents

I am 33 years old and work at a component company, earning a fluctuating salary—VND10 million during busy periods, and VND7-8 million in slower months. My husband, who is a year older, and I have been married for three years.

When we first met, he told me that although his monthly salary was low, he typically received year-end bonuses of VND30-40 million. However, after we got married, I discovered that he had lied because he was embarrassed about his low earnings. In reality, his bonuses amounted to only VND2-3 million at most.

I asked him why his boss hadn’t given him a raise after five years and suggested that he consider quitting since his job was contractual anyway. He explained that although his job was on a contract basis, it offered stability and only required him to work Monday through Friday, which he saw as a good deal compared to others who work full weeks, including weekends, for a VND7-8 million salary.

Our first child is fully taken care of by my in-laws. Given my age, I want to have a second child soon, but taking care of a newborn would mean taking six months to a year off work. With my husband’s income, it would be difficult to manage all expenses. Moreover, his parents are already responsible for raising two children from his older sister, so asking them to take on more doesn’t seem fair. When I expressed my concerns to him, he got defensive, feeling like I was comparing him to others.

He isn’t worried because his parents have already transferred the ownership of our house to him. Whenever we discuss finances for raising children, he tells me: “Look around and see if there are many newlyweds with a house ready like you. You don’t know how lucky you are.”

He mentioned that someone had offered VND6 billion to buy our house, adding that even those earning VND10-20 million a month wouldn’t be able to afford a home like ours in their lifetime. He told me to stop comparing him to others who earn more. He said he plans to leave the house to our children and that other women with husbands “as good as” him would be proud, not complain.

Hearing this, I can only stay silent. I never look down on him, and it’s unfair to say I disrespect him. I just want him to make more of an effort for our family and strive a little harder.

It’s true that I’m luckier than others in some ways—getting married without having to worry about renting or buying a house—but I’m still anxious. Despite owning a home, our finances are always tight. Each month, he gives me VND1.5 million, which, combined with my salary, is just enough to cover our expenses. His parents cover the cost of our child’s vaccinations, otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to afford them.

In the past, he was occupied with his master’s degree and wasn’t working, so he couldn’t save anything. Meanwhile, I have only a little over VND100 million left in the bank after helping renovate my parents’ house. While it’s good to appreciate what we have and with the remaining savings, I could potentially afford to have a second child, but I still feel uneasy.

What should I do?