So fed up - does anyone feel like this?

[Tweettwo]

I have 2 DCs who I love dearly and who were very much wanted - DC1 age 3 and DC2 age 1. I am at SAHM as left my job after having DC2 because I wanted to spend more time with the DCs given they are so young and also because I wasn't really enjoying work and luckily we can cope (for now anyway) on DH's salary. Oldest DC in PT nursery and youngest at home full time. I just find the whole staying at home with kids thing (it's been nearly 2 years now) so damn monotonous. We are all in a good routine, they sleep well at night but the older one is prone to challenging behaviour and the younger one is getting very demanding as is normal at that age. I struggle to take any enjoyment from it at all. It just seems a relentless cycle of domestic drudge, 7 days a week, 12/13 hours a day. DH can't do much in the week as works long hours but we share 50/50 at weekends. Does anyone else feel like this? I try to get out and about with them but it's always a stressful nightmare as DC1 has a tantrum, runs off, shits their pants, or DC2 kicks off! Feeling very fed up and debating getting a new job - which would probably be Full time as I don't think I could find a part time job. I worry that if I do this I will then feel very guilty and romanticise these dark days! I am sure the grass is always greener. Anyone else understand what I mean?

I was feeling like this. I'm a SAHM with 15, 13, 4 and 2 yr olds. I do everything as OH works long hours. I was feeling seriously crap about staying at home. Felt taken for granted and bored and that I was loosing me. So I thought about going back to work. Had lunch with some old colleagues. Holy God twenty minutes with them was enough to affirm my place at home. All the things I hated about my professional job were still there. Over worked, understaffed, etc etc. now I'm a little more grateful.
I really hope things get better for u. X

Are you me?

hug

I think it's time you found a PT job. I know exactly how you feel and for me, PT working makes me appreciate the good in my children and in working. Best of both worlds!

My child even. Just the one so far...

Have you considered volunteer work? A bit of time just for you but without the stress of a full time job.

Thanks everyone. I worked in finance at a senior level and would really struggle to find part time work - I have looked. Re volunteering, might be something to consider but I'd have to arrange and finance childcare to free up time to do that, so not sure...

I hear you!! It's relentless!

I looked at, and ended up doing, some volunteer work. It's only a couple of times (at most although could be more) a month and I'm lucky that my mum helps out with this, but I found it a godsend. Especially now that I've found myself a single parent. I managed to keep a sliver of my career also. I have very understanding bosses who allowed me to go down to 8 hours per week. That time is EXH access. I work every Saturday.

I love being at home with the kids, don't get me wrong, but god I needed to feel like I was still me!