Just wanted to moan...

[harrassedmum]

...about the fact that i have now abandoned my children and over committed myself to things, as has dp, between us both doing full time degrees, both working part time and my voluntary work we now have no full days together, he doesnt have a day with the kids and i only get 1 1/2 days with them. Also evenings and things and holidays i know but just feel very depressed now, but we are committed to doing them and i dont want to give them up other wise i will fel really selfish as he will have to somehow do more work to compensated for the money we will lose! Oh dear!

Harrasedmum, stick in there! I know its horrendous, but actually I have a friend who worked full time when her kids were little (had a nanny which took all her salary and some of her husbands so she didn't get off the ladder!), and has now (they are abuot 9 and 7) gone part time as she now can and she says they need her more now. So take all the stuff about'they are only little for such a short time' with a pinch of salt - when they are little they don't miss you in hte same way as when they are bigger, and a couple of years of hard graft now sounds like it will put you in a much better position in a few years time. I know I nearly killed myself doing a degree while ds was small, but it was definitely worth it. Also dp works very long hours, but hey ho - thats how life is, no point complaining about it. It matters more you being around at hte weekends and things when they are in school, I think. Hope this helps!

Just heard my name mentioned here (only took me 2 months!!). Hope things have picked up a bit for you harrassedmum. Just wanted to say that I know lots of new/in training life coaches who would be more than happy to coach you for free if you thought it would help. They're often looking for people to work with because it helps to build up their experience. CAT me with a bit of information about what you'd like a life coach to help you with and I'll easily find you someone who'll be happy to help you.