My partner and I have recently split after eight years together. We have a little boy, 2 years old, and my stepson, my ex’s son from a previous relationship, also lived with us full-time. The boys are very close and my son has a strong bond with his dad.
The breakup has been messy. While we have many beautiful memories, I now see that I was emotionally abused throughout much of the relationship, and that dynamic hasn’t ended just because the relationship did.
Right now, our son and I are still living in my ex’s house, while he and my stepson are staying with his parents. It’s been this way for a few months as I try to find somewhere affordable to live.
Even with child maintenance, the reality is grim: I can only afford a small studio for my son and me. I work full-time from home, but I can’t afford nursery, so I’m doing it all with a toddler beside me and no support. My ex’s parents are elderly and not able to help, and my ex cannot take our son overnight. Realistically, he would only see our son on Saturdays or Sundays.
So here’s my dilemma. I’m burning out. I’m doing everything alone, all the time. I feel like I’m entirely sacrificing my mental health so my son can maintain a weekly connection with his dad and brother - something that does matter, deeply. But I’m exhausted, unhappy, and I think my son senses that. My ex is also experiencing burnout and health issues, making contact a lot more limited.
I miss my home country deeply. There, I’d be able to live with my mum (who my son adores), afford good childcare, and have a real support system. I'd be able to breathe again. Maybe even see friends now and then. That thought feels like a luxury.
I’m trying so hard to stay - for my son’s relationship with his dad and brother - but I’m questioning whether it’s sustainable.
Here are the pros and cons as I see them:
Staying (current country):
- Son keeps weekly contact with his dad and brother
- Familiar environment for son
- Avoids disrupting current custody dynamic
- But: I have no support, no respite, and can barely afford housing or childcare
Leaving (home country):
- Son and I live with my mum (strong bond, stable home)
- Can afford high-quality childcare
- I’d have a support system and space to recover
- Better quality of life for both of us
- But: Son sees dad and brother much less, possibly just during holidays
So.... what should I do?
YABU - Stay
YANBU - Move back home