is it important that your spouse knows and understands, and even does your work?

I guess it does help but it's not the be-all, end-all of relationships. I don't think Boyfriend would ever venture into what I am doing and sometimes we could not understand each other's rationalizations. I, sometimes, don't see why he does certain things and I am sure he feels the same way too. But I do enjoy these "arguments" as we come out of it knowing each other some more and it hasn't changed the way we treat each other. You have to share similarities but I think it also helps that either partner have their own thing going on.

i did not want to get married to a doctor(my profession)i know ,being a doc,that we are called away on emergency calls,at any time of day or night,there would be no family life.being of the same profession does have its advantages,the partner understands the pressure of the job but i didnt want so for reason stated above.

Only luckiest people will get a spouse who knows,understands and does the work. But it is not essential to have such a life partner. Life is totally different from that of our work for bread earnings. If you have a spouse with the qualities cited above in the fields mentioned, will help you to raising your earnings but not nessarily the happiness.

i dont think that it has to go to an extent where he does my work for me but it helps to understand the nature of your spouses work so its easier to understnd and talk about work and home ralted problems. he might be able to help you out and make suggestions too...