I have a friend of mine (no it's not code for 'me') who second and last child started school this year.  Her husband instantly said, "well you better find a job now".  The problem?  It's not that my friend is the kind to shy away from work, but she's exhausted.  Running the household pretty much on her own and being stay at home mother to her two daughters she understandably wants time off for a little while.  Long service leave if you will.

The next problem?  She doesn't know what kind of work she wants to do anymore.  She's a bookkeeper by trade but going back to an office just doesn't appeal to her anymore.  Since becoming a parent she has no patience for office politics.

So here is my friend, in a spot of bother.

My question to you all is did all of you, full-time stay at home mothers, go back to work after your last child started school?  Was it by choice?  Obligation?  Did any of you change career paths?  Were you interested in continuuing in your previous career path?

My story is that my youngest is still at home so I freelance write from home when I can.  I hope to pursue it further when all my children are at school.  In my previous life I was a National Marketing Executive.  Not a job I think I could go back to.  Becoming a parent changes you.

What do you all think?

Mrs M

My youngest has just started big school this year..  I am seriously considering going back to work.. maybe not full time as I need to be able to get them from the bus everyday! 

I really miss the human contact of work.. Loved being with my kids, but miss being "Karen".. I dont think i would mind going back to office work.. but dont see it as a long term thing.. I have just started studying welfare.. and while being a SAHM I did some work here and there with playgroups and primary schools which i loved..

i think there are so many doors opened up to me right now, but, like your friend, I might just take some long service leave while i figure it all out :)  And my house needs a good sorting out while the kids arent around lol