How to cope with children flying the nest

[Duckingella]

I became a mum at only 19;had 4 children with 5 years of each other.

My life has centred around my children,my husband's career has taken precedence over mine and I've alternated between rubbish unqualified jobs to fit around the kids or periods where I've been a SAHP which for various reasons I have been since 2018 but do earn a small side income.

I'm now in a position where over the next 2.5 years my 3 eldest will all fly the nest;my eldest who's 19 next month will be leaving permanently in June;he's off to a job which will mean frequent relocation and living both here in the UK in different counties to our hometown and also stints living abroad.

My two daughters who are in year 11 and year 12 are both going to be going to university and will be away most of the time.

I'm not quite sure what to do with myself or how to cope with missing my children that are leaving home.It's an enormous change.

I'd love some practical advice and tips.

So you're only 38, right? It's not too late to start at the bottom and find a career for yourself! Is there anything you want to do?

There's plenty I've thought about doing but the spanner in the works is my youngest in year 9 has profound additional needs;my working schedule would need to work around him hence why I'm currently a SAHP.

I have seen a job I'm considering applying for ,I have experience in it,it's Mon-Fri 10-2 with the opportunity to work from home up to 3 days a week after probation/training.

Realistically im unsure at what age he'll be before I'd be able to trust him alone although im really hoping for that independence for him.

Enjoy your empty nest and visiting their new home and meeting their new aquaintances.
Take up a meditative, artistic pursuit and also walk more in all the places you wanted to explore.
Plan journeys to see the kids. Bake their favourite cake to take with you.

So difficult isn't it @Duckingella?

I only gave 2 but the eldest is off to Uni this September. The youngest also has some additional needs so it's unlikely she will be leaving home for a long time.

I do work though, perhaps that job would be ok?