What would you do?

[RosiePosie1977]

So I've just had a difficult separation, spurred on by reading the threads on here.

I've got two DC (8 and 4) and a job I used to love which I have built my whole life around (teaching related). But I'm just facing redundancy and the job has changed a great deal in any case from what it used to be. I have a little bit of money saved, and a mortgage on a house in a UK city which I could rent out.

I just can't decide what I want to do or even where I want to be. If you could do anything - if you could start a new life, given that there are small children involved, what would you do?

I have a house with some land where I grew up which is rented at the moment and sometimes I think I should go back and raise the kids in the country.... sometimes I think I should take some time out and go travelling, while the kids are still small enough not to disrupt school.

So hit me with some dreams. What would you do? Where would you go?

I live in the country and love it, but I think it could be very lonely as a single parent.

Being honest, I think I'd stay wherever I had the best support network, that isn't something to be underestimated, and give myself a chance to think about what I wanted more long term.

I absolutely love reading about families travelling long term, but I suspect the reality of life on the road is not much fun for young kids who would rather have space, friends and stability.

Travelling is out of the question for a while, but you could move. You're right, it needs to be before the start of secondary, when starting a new school later than everyone else is much more of an issue.

PP is right though - especially as a single parent you do need to consider support near enough and trusted to help, and not just in emergencies.

It also depends how isolated your house and land 'in the country' is.