I have 3dcs, youngest is in preschool which finishes at 11.30am but no option to add on hours, older two dcs also finish relatively early in school here, I live in an area with v v little childcare options , can't find childminders and it's a lot more expensive here than in the UK.
I work part-time hours or just over, this is in a self-employed role but the hours I work are set so I have to work every morning until I pick up my youngest and I also work a couple of evenings (I start very early at 6am).
I used to spend hours painting and drawing and actually managed to make some money, this was 10 years ago before I had my first. Now I am 36 and feel like time is flying by and I can see on Instagram and etsy how other artists who are parents are able to create loads and make things and these types of media make it so easy now to showcase work. Tbh it really isn't about making money but more the hobby. I am buzzing with ideas and managed to do a couple of prints recently and felt great after but where or where do other parents get time? I can see on social media ( I know, I know..) other artists who I know have young kids making a business and I just don't get how they do it, these are also ppl who work. I wish I had their energy.
In the evenings once all 3 are in bed I'm so, so tired.. (my dcs didn't sleep for years and years so not sure if its a hangover from this).
I just feel very low and disappointed in myself..I often see an idea online and think oh I could make that, I could do prints like that (I did a degree in fine art) but I just can't muster the energy or motivation and I don't know why..
I have tried getting babysitters but they are soooo expensive here (10 pounds per hour) and it would be sortof ridiculous with me painting here and paying someone in the next room and we can't really afford it right now..My dh is totally hands on and we are very equal so he happily takes them out for a day or a weekend away but I still feel I'm lacking something that I once had. Can anyone give any advice or have other ppl find it difficult once kids are in bed or once they have had kids to do hobbies etc? Sometimes I feel like I'm pathetic like why can't I make things anymore, I even find it hard to concentrate or think where to start..I remember before my first child, I made a lot of the nursery textiles and wall murals etc.. Now I just completely lack any motivation or energy. Does anyone feel similar or have any words of advice.?