DS and I moved back to my hometown after ExDP ended our relationship 4 months ago, and I couldn't afford to lone parent in London, and pay for childcare that would cover the crazy hours of my (creative freelance) industry job.
We've been sleeping in DM's spare room, and I've been having weekly therapy for OCD and postnatal anxiety and when I first got back, I thought I was literally never ever going to be able to get my shit together.
Today I got a more junior job in an arts and heritage role (not my old career, but one I've wanted to sidestep into for years), 4 days per week, on a salary that maximises my Working Tax Credit claim, and it's close to my preferred nursery for DS (actually over the road).
I also put in an application to rent a grade 2 listed beautiful cottage, close to both job and nursery, not too far from DM (far enough to breathe!) that is part of a private estate, and the lovely lovely estate agent is doing all she can to get the estate trustees to long lease the property to me. There are no guarantees but its looking hopeful.
DM has agreed to have DS one day a week, which means he's only in childcare three days - which is what I think will be best for both of us (no disrespect to any parents using more childcare - if I had to I would)
My salary is half what it was in London. I don't own a property any more,
I have no savings, and I'm 30 and starting all over again with a baby on my hip. And it feels really bloody RIGHT.
So I'm doing a happy dance (inside. Can't actually as in bed with DS) and I'm doing right here in the AIBU bearpit.
Unstealthy joyful boast over 