AIBU to feel bored and aimless with part-time work and toddlers?

[boingboingboingboingboing]

To feel a bit bored and aimless?

I am 45. Two young children, one reception, one still a toddler.

I work a couple of days a week. Really cannot stand my job but not in a position to look for a different one (the one good thing about my role is that it is accommodating in terms of which days I work,)

So I spend three days a week with my toddler and lovely as she is … I’m wanting an interest or something for me. Just wondering if anyone has any ideas?

I'd start looking for a job that you enjoy and has more hours. I love my kids but being stuck in a house with them all day with nothing to challenge your brain sucked the life out of me. You need mental stimulation, intelligent conversation and challenge to stop yourself getting bored. There's significant evidence that proves that children benefit from being in a communal setting (i.e a nursery/child minder with multiple children). Going back to work helps you mentally, keeps your career on track, helps your bank balance, is better for children and often helps relationships too. (If you're bored, then you've probably got nothing interesting to share with your partner/husband so the relationship suffers). Don't suffer at home, having children doesn't need to be a stopper to you being a human, you're you, not just a mum. Go out and get on with your life!

Can’t believe you’re wasting this precious time they’re only little once! Three days a week to go swimming, library story time, forest walks, theme parks on quiet days, gymnastics classes… you’re missing out so much if you don’t do this and enjoy these previous years!

An exercise or yoga class? Book club or choir?

Yes, we do that - that’s not what I’m asking. But thank you

Working more just isn’t possible at the moment (and I don’t want to really!) It’s more something I can do that I feel excited about, something where I can use my brain a bit maybe would be nice! Book club is a good shout 😂

I don't think any of those are actually interests for the OP (or most adults). Spending time with toddlers is only fulfilling to a point.

OP - I joined a running club. I was a dreadful runner, but it was a regular activity and I got to meet and talk to other adults

I recognise this very much. My work wasn't stretching me enough as my line manager didn't seem to comprehend that just because I was part time I was still capable of competently completing tasks.
In your situation I started volunteering in a position I could take my DC along too, but was still fun for them. I just needed something else to think about and different people to interact with.

That was not what the op had asked.
Some people love spending their time with toddlers, some don’t .
Both can be amazing parents. Let’s not bash each other’s preferences .
In my opinion, kids get so much more enjoyable as they get older - the toddler years were mind numbing, not precious.
My teen and pre-teen are absolute delights, I can’t wait to see what they will do when they are adults!
For the OP, can you train for a different job? There are free/low cost training available depending on what you sre interested in.

@sometimeseverytimethat’s good to hear I’m scared my boy won’t want to hang out with me when he’s a teen!

op a something for you - reformer Pilates if you have somewhere with a creche, I love this! Art class or photography lessons. Gardening. Social media influencing!

@Unexpectedlysinglemum you are being deliberately obtuse. Some people enjoy toddlers. Some don’t. Neither are a requirement for enjoying older kids.
Guild tripping other parents is however not a particularly nice thing to do, so i recommend not using these precious years with it!

I picked up an instrument. It fits well with a toddler when I might get 20 mins but might also only get 2. Never had the opportunity when younger so am making the most of it.