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I had that arrangement, in an identical (rural, remote work) circumstance.

She could have worked, but it would have meant a commute. She didn't earn much anyway, we had very disparate incomes. I didn't have any expectations for her in either direction, I just wanted her to do whatever she thought would be best for herself.

FWIW, she chose not to work, watched a lot of netflix, gained weight, rarely went outside, and wound up leaving. She blamed the location.

I think it's hard for many people to find purpose when they are their own boss in each moment. Many need outside direction, and we all need a purpose.