Whirlwind decade and now...

[HamRoll]

Just a rant really...

Over the past 10 years i've;

Graduated from uni
Travelled extensively
Started my own business
Met and married my husband
Had 2 DC
Bought my ideal family home (or rather it will be ideal once it's finished)

However, I made the decision to become SAHM after DC2 was born to focus on raising the kids (made sense emotionally and financially to do this and I don't regret it). They are now 1 & 2 and they are my world but I'm getting frustrated.

I have a lot of support so not struggling with caring for them, it's the inability to earn that's bothering me. We've just had plans approved for an extension to our house but we can't afford to start the works yet. I'd like to be able to work part-time in order to continue building on our savings but it's not possible due to childcare. DC1 starts nursery this summer but DC2 has 2 years until he's eligible for his government funded hours.

Paying for childcare defeats the purpose of working in my opinion and I want to spend these early years with them (I appreciate I'm lucky that I've got that option). That said, I feel a bit stuck. I know it's coming across like I want it all ways, I do! However, I also know that's not possible.

Like I say, I just wanted to rant as feeling a bit woe is me today (could be because I've been up for 5.5hrs already) 🤣

You probably need to alter your perspective a bit an focus on what you can do now that you have the luxury of time.

In future, you will have more money but you'll be time poor. Is there anything low cost that you could be focusing on getting in order now? The garden? Repainting and minor repairs? Learning some DIY skills? Finding and renovating good quality used furniture?

You're absolutely right, perspective is everything!

We are getting the windows and doors replaced next month and have had a few other things done already so things are moving. I'm just being very impatient which I know I need to work on. I need to learn to live in the moment a bit more as I want to enjoy this time whilst the kids are young. I keep being reminded that it goes too fast and I'm starting to notice it for myself.

Is there a job you could do in the evening, if your DH is home then. Even a couple of evenings would contribute. Or even WFH in the evening.

I do agree that living in the moment is important though. You’ll look back and wonder where the time went.

I've been looking for evening jobs but they're like hens teeth unfortunately. I wouldn't consider weekend work as it's the only time we get to spend together as a family which is important to us. I might look into doing an open learning course to give me something to get my teeth into just now. I agree, I want to make the most of these short years with my kids. There will (hopefully) be plenty of time once they're at school to work on the rest.