Hi Frenzied,
It sounds good that you've got some help. When are you moving and when's baby due? Knowing what I due I bet it's roughly the same time!
I can't believe the system won't let you book/sign for things. I really hoped things would have changed for the better but it looks like they're still stuck in the 19th Century, never mind the 20th!
These are all reasons why we left (and I use the term 'we' on purpose as it is a joint life and therefore the decision has to reflect that), plus there are many others which I won't go into here. But Scootergirl you need to be aware that unless your DH is being groomed for CGS he will hit a concrete ceiling (I named this as a macho version of our female glass ceiling) just after 40, and unless you're both prepared to 'play the game' he won't get promoted again.
This is entirely dependent on his Regt of course, but we certainly hit it. I was very frustrated not only by the usual limitations of Army life, but also that I didn't think DH was being recognised for the talented chap that he is.
He's now working for a major defence contractor, and after 3 months has been promoted once and there is talk of another step in March, because they've realised his potential. I couldn't be more pleased for him!
I'm managing to develop my career, which was very much on the back burner due to postings and children. Now our children are at primary school I work when I can and am just about managing, but DH being away during the week is a problem.
The only solutions are to move house (not an option) or for him to find another job, not ideal as it's going so well. We bought the house of our dreams 3 years ago and are investing huge amounts of £ and time in getting it how we want it. Not only that but our no.1 requirement was for our children to be settled in local schools, which they are, so we wouldn't move now.
So, as I'm rambling, to answer your question and sum up, civvie life is great but not perfect. It's certainly a whole lot better than Army life if you're not happy moving, but it is dependent on knowing what you want to do as a secondary career and being able to get the right job.
I don't know if this will help or not! The grass is always greener on the other side, isn't it, but it's a very difficult decision and totally different for each person.
The only thing I miss are dinner nights in the Mess, ooh and summer balls. My frocks are gathering dust!
Bye for now, and take care,
BL x
P.S. SG - my DH still has yellow moleskins and loads of checked shirts, all the same!