I guess teachers aren't intellectually fulfilled either then, hanging out with 5yr olds all day. *shrug*

It would be a pretty sad world if none of us hoped or aspired for something extra in our lives.
Yup. Just that, for me, the something extra's include my family, as that is where my life is at right now. It's not about me having to get away and do what I used to do, that would feel like a step backwards for me. We now run a business from home, so research & time etc goes into that, but it rarely takes away from my day with the kids (usually just from my sleep at night lol). That is the balance I've been happy to strike. I have no desire to escape the family to do my own thing.

Anyway.. I guess it depends on what sort of intellectual stimulation you need. I'm not into 'book smarts', I'm more into 'life smarts' (even tho I think both those saying are terribly wrong grammatically LMAO) so I think I've become much more "intellectual" since I've been home as a mum, running the house and learning about dealing with life, and in turn teaching the kids. I'm sure this will only get more challenging as they grow older It's an evolving intellect.. not just specialised and stale in one line of work. That's how I feel anyway.

ETA: yep, everyone's agreeing on that point about looking after ourselves in order to be in a fit state to look after our babies/kids. It's just that the phrase does get bandied around and loses it's meaning and now has a real irritating quality to it the way it is used. I mean, I'd be happy if I didn't have to clean the kitchen 3 times a day.. but I'm sure when I assign it as the kids chores.. happy mum won't equal happy kids! LOL.