Felt the need to namechange for this one.<br>Dh and I are both graduates in professional roles. DH has 2 full time jobs and works 7 days a week. He works 16 hour days but is self employed, he's bringing in about 25k.<br>I am also self employed and work a min of 40 hours a week. I made 12k last year. I was previously made redundant and couldn't find another job so went self employed like dh. But it's been a lot of hard work for not much money and I'm looking for something more stable.<br>That's a joint income of 37k. It doesnt seem a lot to raise 2dc on in greater London, after travel expenses. Most goes on rent. I definitely didnt expect to live like this after years of studying and training. (People assume that people in my profession are on 50k plus) <br> After rent and bills are paid we struggle to afford much, we have horrible sofas, live in a small flat with dated decor and don't drive nice cars. We dont drink and we dont eat out in nice places, but we are able to scrimp and save for everything the dc need and I know that ultimately I'm happy so long as my dcs are.<br> I'm not really complaining as there are people far, far worse off than us. I don't feel that I am entitled to nice things or that material things are important, although I would like the security of owning our own home. But when I am at the school I do feel very poor and inadequate. DCs school is in a more affluant area than our flat. It's all 4x4s, 4 and 5 bedroom houses, designer handbags and great hair. Most of the mums don't work and have fitness classes and runs together in the afternoon, they seem to have wonderful lifestyles. I wouldn't say that I am jealous, but I do worry about what they think of me and our home. I hope that their dcs wouldn't think badly of mine if they came round to play. I really worry that my dc would be judged for their home and when they are invited to play at other kids' houses I return the favour with a trip out (which I can scarcely afford), but I was teased at school for being poor and I don't want history to repeat itself.<br>I think that dh and I have made bad career decisions and had a bit of bad luck (pay cuts, redundancy etc) because everyone at the school seems to be very comfortable on just one income and their dhs are around at the weekend. We're here working round the clock, stressing about the bills. They're chiling and looking great. I kind of feel like I failed at life a little bit (a lot. That's a whole other thread). I dread school events and the school run. Is anyone else this mum?