Well DH is a very high earner. When DC were small I had 7 years off and actuàlly when DH was in his mid thirties/early forties he worked so hard my job was on the home front so he could give everything to work.
I went back to work at 43, 2nd career, fulltime after two years as offered promotion and chance to take prof quals. DC were about 10 and 7. We got an au-pair and full-time was easier than part. Also had cleaner, etc. In the early days I felt guilty and sometimes dd did wabt me around more but I always took them to school and three nights a week she had activities/teas etc, and I was home by about 6.15.
Much of it was about brutal organisation and I think it helped the dc with their independence. They had to learn to pack homework, sports kit, flute, etc, because I wasn't abiut to chase back to school.
Even up to a couple of years ago I'd collect dd from school after rehearsals, after school stuff, etc.
At 17 dd said "mum, you've been a fantastic role model, have taught me a good work ethic and that women can be independent".
DD is at uni now; ds doing a masters. My career has taken off in my twilight years when we don't need the money.
Sadly many of the dc's friends suffered parents divorcing in their late teens. Parents who had got bored of each other men being unfaithful Many of those mothers hadn't worked for 20+ years and in their mid fifties were unemployabke and had spent 20+ years talking about their children, their next holiday and their kitchens.
I was bored and had I got like that I think DH would have got bored. I like work and it isn't about the money but it is reassuring to know that if the worst had happened I coukd be self sufficient and I have a very good pension to look forward to.