I’m 37. Just last week changed my job after 9 years at previous company. In my new work place my colleagues are all at least ten years younger than me. They all seem lovely, but I just feel so different in comparison. I’m the only one with children, & young children at that. My Line Manager is the same age but no kids, doesn’t want any. I made a comment to one of the girls in my team in a joking way about how she would make a great mum as she carries around lotions, potions, etc; she said ‘Absolutely not, I don’t want kids, I want a career’ to which I thought, fair enough, each to their own. The other 4 girls in the team then all said they’ve got no interest in having kids either (they’re all 25-28). I feel the odd one out, I haven’t been able to attend the social after work drinks they’re having tomorrow night because I live a good hour plus away, & due to childcare sorting. I know there will come a time I won’t be able to work as one of my kids will be ill, & I suppose it would be nice to have someone at work who has kids who can sympathise when they’re ill or just natter with over whatever they’re up to. I am probably feeling a bit emotional because I miss my old work & colleagues, & clearly no clue what I’m doing. I know at some point also the kids will get ill & I’ll have to take time off, I worry about potentially being penalised for that, as no one else will have that issue. Has anyone ever been the only parent within a work place?