, and I guess I look at many other Mums I know who balance work and family and I think 'well why can't I do that when they manage to?' So you're right... what has complicated my choice so much is thinking too much about how my choice will affect others and worrying about what they might think, and comparing myself to a lot of other mums who seem to be handling the balance well. Stupid isn't it? I also worry about whether I'll regret the decision to put my career on hold but you're right, pearshaker, it's not as though anything is set in stone and I can't re-evaluate if necessary.
Well, as for how your choices affect others... you matter. Your family matters. Nice to consider everyone else but not at your own expense not in this case!

And I get you on the 'other people cope' thing, I REALLY do. All I can say is, it's all relative. And you never know what else is going on, you know? I have a friend who is a SAHM & wonders how I manage work & family. I wonder how she has her family AND also has a tidy house
ETA - I think when people are coping well, it's usually becasue they are doing what suits them. I'm a crap housekeeper, not a terribly successful full-time SAHM. I am a kick-butt part-timer, though