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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I don’t want this life, I want my old one.

158 replies

Ionlydrinkcokeafewtimesperyear · 23/01/2026 19:24

Dd is now at school and i’m back to work almost full time (one day off a week)
I went to the shopping mall type place today and felt so sad. I used to regularly take Dd, go for a coffee, play places, choose her new, gorgeous clothes to buy. Every day was something nice ti do and somewhere to go or we’d stay in and do crafts or play in the garden, read, bake etc. Even walking the dog isn’t the same, memories of her running in front in her wellies in the fields, now is just Ddog and I, no little chatter beside me.
I miss my mum group too, we’d regularly meet at play grounds and became close, now everyone is back at work.
They were the best days, I wish they hadn’t ended, things just seem grey and stressful and boringly work based

OP posts:
AstonScrapingsNameChange · 23/01/2026 21:05

Sounds like you have lovely memories. There will be more fun times.

EmeraldShamrock000 · 23/01/2026 21:01

It is difficult, can you retrain in something that excites you?

Mamma1982 · 23/01/2026 21:00

Be thankful you had the opportunity. I have 3 DC who are 6, 4 and 3. I’ve had to go back to work full time after my 6 month maternity for each due to COL. I’ve never that the chance to do those things with mine. Only on the days I’m not working my shifts, whilst also caring for my elderly mother. Look back and feel blessed. I’m not saying your feelings aren’t valid as they are but I wish I could have the chance to do the same.

dadtoateen · 23/01/2026 20:57

Welcome to adult, responsible life….. it sucks 🤣

Alpacajigsaw · 23/01/2026 20:56

Nothing can stay the same forever.

mine are 17 and 19 now and barely need me at all. It takes some getting used to but you either need to embrace it or mope.

Viszla · 23/01/2026 20:56

Do something you enjoy on your day off. Big or small. You need that.

Ionlydrinkcokeafewtimesperyear · 23/01/2026 20:54

IncessantNameChanger · 23/01/2026 19:30

It's really hard when they start school but you do adjust. I remember being sad going shopping without dd as I'd had a toddler in tow for about 15 years at that point (4 kids four years apart). It's pretty normal to dislike change. Honestly it gets better.

Then you do it again when they move to juniors, secondary and uni.

I just keep reminding myself this is what your doing it for. To see them grow and flourish.

You are so lucky to have had that four times

OP posts:
IncessantNameChanger · 23/01/2026 19:30

It's really hard when they start school but you do adjust. I remember being sad going shopping without dd as I'd had a toddler in tow for about 15 years at that point (4 kids four years apart). It's pretty normal to dislike change. Honestly it gets better.

Then you do it again when they move to juniors, secondary and uni.

I just keep reminding myself this is what your doing it for. To see them grow and flourish.

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