IKWYM Bathsheba. I have been a SAHM for a little over 3 years, after having a strong career focus. I am incredibly lucky to have a brilliant support network of other SAHM's who are very close friends, who we see 2 or three times a week. So socially I feel very integrated and supported, & I love the time I spend with them and their children.

However, for me, it is just not enough. I wish it was, I really do, but I need to regain the sense of self that I generate from working, and I need to build my self esteem again, and I simply need to be more than a Mummy & a wife. I guess I am the architypical type of "wants it all", LOL! I could, of course, feel guilty at feeling like this, but guilt like that, for me, is non-productive. Hence I have stuck my toe into the waters of the working world again.

Regardless if finances, it has simply made me feel more complete. So it is worth it for that alone, for me & the subsequent impact that that has on my relationships with the children and my DH.

I have enjoyed reading this thread with all of our different viewpoints........