I’m sure there’s been loads of posts like this before but I wanted to get some opinions that were neutral as possible. It’s a long one so stick with me.
A few years back we left London for the south coast when I was pregnant with my first. We had grown weary of London life and wanted a change of pace. We both have family miles away from where we were but hoped we could make a life for ourselves by the sea. We loved where we lived but found it so so hard to have no support (friends or family) and started to really struggle. After wrestling with it for months we decided to move closer to family and to my hometown.
Ffwd 2 years and another baby later, and I’m struggling again (to which I keep asking, WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME 🤦♀️).
We love our family very much but the close proximity has become increasingly difficult. I think I’ve changed, I’ve become more opinionated and honest, they would prefer it if we all just continued to ignore things and keep it all simple.
The support has been helpful and the relationship my kids have with family is a delight. But I’m struggling. I don’t feel myself. I’m not sure I want to live long term or bring up my kids where we are. And I miss the opportunity and life in London.
I am missing it so much but can’t seem to square whether this is pandemic brain / post baby brain or real life.
I know London has its challenges and I know that having small kids is a struggle everywhere. So I’d love to hear from those who still live in London with small kids or have brought their children up there. How are you being away from family, do they still have good relationships with them? What do you struggle with? What do you love?
And probably worth adding, my partner suggested we try somewhere new again but I just don’t think I want to go through the challenges of trying to meet new people. I’d prefer to go back to where our friends are. Also worth noting my current job and majority of similar opportunities are based there.