Astrid - that's great that you are coping better than you thought you would. Flexibility in our jobs is the key to surviving, I reckon. I don't think I'd be able to cope with a FT job... so casual or part time (or working at home with flexible hours) really helps!

Lucy - nothin' like another bub to throw a spanner in the works, hey? And, I guess... with the more kids you have, the harder it is to return to work. Fair enough tho!! One is hard enough!

Trish - yep.... it's nice to have an identity apart from Mum. I also make a concerted effort when working to not just talk about Gab (though it's hard). I was telling everyone about the slow cooker the other day and I think I managed to convert some people!! (they were oggling my chicken casserole, LOL).

Suz - good luck when the time comes for you to head back to work again. Just one foot in front of the other and you get there eventually

Fletch - ya clever girl finding my old thread! I don't blame you for being freaked out about returning to work. I think only fellow teachers (and perhaps teacher's aides) know just how hard the job is and the lonnnnnng hours involved so it's hard to imagine doing it with a bubby at home aswell!! Have you thought about just doing the odd day here and there with your old school? I know that going back to my old school was great... already knew the staff and most of the kids so I didn't have to sit there like a bump on a log at lunchtimes, LOL.

Ryn - good luck with the job hunting. Just make sure you're ready to take that step and (if possible) find a job that's a little flexible jic!