I must admit, I often wonder the same the thing... I would love to become an interior designer, but for me it would mean studying again and then probably working as a consultant where there are no garuntees in terms of income. On the flip side I'm lucky to work for a company where I'm valued, enjoy what I do (most/some of the time), earn good money and have been given lots of flexibility in terms of maternity leave and working part time. Yes there are things that **** me in my current job, but I'm pretty sure if I made the leap and became an interior designer there would be a host of other things to **** me, along with some financial insecurities.

So I guess what I'm saying is that if you are really unhappy doing what you're doing then the trade offs are probably worth it. In my case, I'm not convinced that the trade offs are worth it, or at least haven't reached that conclusion at this point of time.

I think the most important thing when you have a family and are working is for you to get something out of your work as an individual (and not just money). After all, it is time away from your family and as a mother it can be hard to have an identity outside of being mum, I think if you're working then it is ideal if you can get some personal fulfillment out of what you do. Not sure if that makes sense....