Additional Coverage:
- My twin sister and I live together, and she recently started outearning me. It’s caused a change in our power dynamic. (businessinsider.com)
Twin Switch: When My Younger Sister Started Out-Earning Me
My twin sister and I have always been close. Being seven minutes older, I naturally assumed the role of supportive (and slightly bossy) big sister.
For years, our dynamic was consistent: I earned more, and I helped her out when needed. This all changed recently, and it’s been an adjustment, to say the least.
From retail to hospitality to energy, my career path has been varied, but one constant remained: I always outearned my sister. Even when we worked for the same company, a promotion and flourishing freelance work widened the gap.
Then, in 2024, we both quit our jobs to travel. Upon returning, my sister landed a well-paying job almost immediately.
Meanwhile, I dove headfirst into the challenging world of freelance journalism, supplementing my income with part-time work. Suddenly, our financial positions reversed.
My sister now outearns me by a significant amount.
This shift has flipped our dynamic. I’ve gone from helping her financially to watching every penny, juggling multiple jobs and invoices. She now covers more of our shared expenses, from rent to car repairs, and even offered to pay for our next vacation.
While I’m thrilled for her success, I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a pang of jealousy and frustration. It’s tough going from the helper to the one needing help.
We’ve had some difficult conversations, and a few arguments, about our new reality. We’ve had to acknowledge that our relationship has changed.
To navigate this, we now have monthly financial check-ins to discuss upcoming expenses and ensure we’re both on the same page. We’re committed to open communication and preserving our bond, even as our financial roles evolve.
It’s a new chapter in our sisterhood, one that requires honesty, vulnerability, and a healthy dose of flexibility.