Think this is a combination of lockdown and age, kids getting older. I've been self-employed for years, go out and about, but also do some work from home. Kids are nearly 15 and 12. I've really noticed that my world has got a lot smaller just recently and tbh I'm embarrassed to admit this but I'm starting to worry about being lonely.
Re my work, I still need to be flexible for the following reasons. I'm well established with the self-employed work that I do, but I'm trying to get into a couple of other areas to increase my earning potential:
My DH works shifts, even though the kids are getting more independent, I'm still needed at times.
Because of my DH's shifts, if I was to take on a full-time job, I would see even less of him than I do already.
We have a dog, if I worked long days (cause DH's shifts are different all the time), we would need to employ someone to do the odd walk. My earning potential isnt great.
I have an elderly Dad who lives 200 miles away. He regularly comes down for a couple of weeks. Obviously I still work when he's down but don't feel I can be out all day every day.
Re activities and friendships:
Dont do the school run anymore so I dont see anyone
My younger DC doesn't do football anymore, the older one can take himself, so don't really see parents there. Both of these are great in some respects as they generate more time.
I have a handful of really good friends but I only see some of them sporadically, say once every few months, others I see more regularly. I've recently had a fall out with one close friend, I don't generally fall out with people , not going to say anymore cause it could be outing.
TBH I'm convincing myself that I'm some sort of wierd social misfit and I really feel that I've lost social confidence recently. I'm embarrassed by this and embarrassed posting this. I would have name changed if I knew how.
Just wondering if this is common at this stage of life. When I had my kids I met people to hang out with really easily and never suffered from that new Mum loneliness that you hear about. I dont know how common it is to just have a few friends that you see occasionally and no work colleagues. I've thought about doing some voluntary work, but I need my time to earn as much as I can, cannot have it both ways unfortunately.