In many countries all income is taxed at the family level...2 spouses.  That is the way it should be as a couple is a single economic unit.  Why should a a family which makes 300k from one earner pay so much more than another family that makes 300k from 2 incomes?  
It seems to me the trick you pulled is getting your former employer to pay both your pension and contract.  Good for you, but it's irrelevant to this discussion.  
I'm sure your wife would take some issue with hearing she did nothing to contribute to family earnings, by the way.