calling ladymuck - or anyone else who has taken a "timeout"/"sabbatical" from work.

[bossykate]

using the term sabbatical at least in a very loose sense...

i.e. not necessarily a decision to be a "sahm" but a finite break from the workplace to pursue my own personal goals rather than an indefinite period out of the workplace to care for children.

btw sorry ladymuck if i have misrepresented what you have done!

adjustment issues? am finding it a leetle difficult to adjust and not quite sure why... certainly think my life is much easier but well a tad dull.

would appreciate the chance to chat to anyone else who has done this.

thanks very much in advance for your help.

active convos v fast moving!

I haven't done this but did have a period of being a sahm and did find it dull tbh!

Can you put your finger on what is bothering you? Is it not having goals and targets and so on?

What do you want to do with this time? Or didn't you know before you started other than 'get off the treadmill' ?

well, haven't done this, but would love to do so! Don't want to hijack but just wondering how you go about it?

I'm doing this after 20 years of working with only 5 months maternity leave by way of a gap.

I'm on a 5 year career break which started when DD started school. I couldn't face the school run logistics and the school hols issues. I also had a 4th miscarriage just before DD started and decided, she was my one and only, it was time to change my priorities!

I dabble in a few things. I Ebay once a week, so spend several days sourcing stock to sell; I sell on a Website (Well, I have a website, but it's not doing any business at the moment, so it's a bit untrue to say I sell on it!) and I help out at school 2 days a week for a couple of hours.

I always have plenty to do, though I do feel a bit isolated at times. It's a major adjustment, particularly if you've had an involved career. If you're not enjoying it and can't find that magical something that makes your heart race, head back to work! There are worse things...

Yes, yes, I am definitely finding being a SAHM a tad dull ... and am looking for that magical JOB that makes my heart race and look forward to doing each day but my big problem is WHAT is that elusive magical thing ??!

I know I sound like a lady muck because I have a wonderful supportive husband who would be willing to invest in me and a good idea but I'm having trouble coming up with that pesky idea !! Any good ones floating about out there ? I live ive in Cape Town by the way ...

I'm off work at the moment & although I LOVE spending time with DD2 & LOVE being able to walk DD1 to school, I am finding my brain is calling out for mental stimulation. I have lots of good friends so am always meeting up with them & their DC, but it's not quite hitting the spot. After much thought, I realise I need brain stimulation so am applying for a distance learning BSC (of something I am passionate in & will effectively be retraiing) starting in October this year (fingers crossed I get on it).
Is this something that might be of interest to you ?
Don't wish the time away with your DC though, they really do grow so fast.

tomorrow will be the start of my second week of time off from work - I intend to go back to work after the school summer holidays but don't have anything lined up. I am fascinated by this thread and would love to learn how others are coping - because I had so many difficulties with my last job, I am really enjoying the time off so far.

Ds is struggling with the readjustment he has had to make from a his after school routine with a laid back childminder to being with me when I insist on changing out of school clothes, small snack then homework etc - but we are getting there!

We're now entering my third year of a career break. Every now and again I think, should I go back to work?? And resoundingly I think no.

It hasn't all been plain sailing. My car gets older and rustier on the driveway. My house could do with tarting up a little, but it's got to wait. And I don't remember the last time I bought something for myself at full price that wasn't from a supermarket (clothes wise, that is!).

My dd started school and I gave up work that same day. She didn't like it at first. Most of her friends were doing after school clubs or having child minders and she felt like she was missing out, so that was a bit awkward. I decided, though, that I knew best (how modest I am) and stuck with it. I stressed the benefits of me being home (I could do playdates any day; I've been home when she's sick and I've been able to help on school trips. All good stuff for us).

Now, in our third year, dd loves me being at home. I've talked about going back to work on odd occasions, usually in jest, when Ebay is flat and I'm struggling to bring in a few quid, and she HATES the idea.

She's seen me, over the past 4 years, pay for all out trips out; I help pay off the mortgage and I help to pay the bills. DD knows that I contribute, so she's getting a positive role model. She sees her Dad and I working together for common goals and she's happy.

She knows there's a difference between her home and most of her friends because they work. She knows our home life isn't better, but it's different. Her friends mums are equally loving, equally attentive. We are just very fortunate to have the time we have together and I wouldn't trade it for the new car, the tarted up house and the nice clothes.

Every one is different and I would never preach that SAHM is better than WOHM....it's just different. Personally, SAH is the best option for me. What suits the next mum or dad?? I don't know.

Nice post squilly.