identity crisis?

[curlz]

OK - this is for all you mums out there who were professionals before you started your family, and did so at around 30.

Do you reckon you had an identity crisis when you became a mum b/c the mum thing was just such a BIG change from independant career chick. I know we all love our kids, but I'm just wondering if there's a bit more of a grief thing happening the more of a 'life' you've had pre-motherhood? What's your views?.............

[xkwzit]

I might have, but didn't stay away from work for too long. I work part time to keep my hand in, as I seriously though I would need a change in career if I had taken years off at a time.

I used to worry that I'm not as professional as I was before. But that's not it, I am just as professional as I was before, but now that I have kids, they are my first priority, which is as it should be.

Cheers

[bigglet]

I feel like two different people sometimes!! When I'm at work and managing projects that are worth thousands and millions of dollars and am in meetings with head honchos it feels a bit surreal that when I come home I'm changing dirty nappies, getting mushed carrot and pumpkin all over me and singing nursery rhymes!! LOL! :laughing:

I work from home 2 days a week (thank goodness for work being flexible!!) and I've had phonecalls from clients/work related and my 6 month old is squealing in the background!!

It's a big change in my life being a mother but I have to say that as much as I love my job - I love being a mum first and foremost :thumbsup:
And if I go into work with milk chuck on my shoulder I don't worry anymore - I'm a mum and I love it! :smiliedance:

[Lambie]

All I can say is this Motherhood thing is hard. At work I am in total control, I am able to prioritise and handle every situation with gusto. But now, the complete opposite. Deep down I really am enjoying the challenge and love my daughter to pieces!

[shed]

I honestly thought I would, but I don't.

Its early days though. And I am planning to re-start up my part time job of teaching Puppy School soon anyway. Although to be honest I am in no rush.

I was freaking out about the money situation more than the working situation - being dependent on DP I mean, but so far I don't care because its not bothering DP one bit so its not bothering me.

[Foxy]

I only work part-time from home now, but I often laugh to myself at how my attitude used to be to certain things, i.e. full blown crisis at work - but now that I have my lovely little man, work stuff just doesn't get to me the way it used to. I think motherhood has made me a better person both personally and professionally.

[rynosmum]

I have a pretty full-on fulltime career but if my son needs me, I will drop everything to be with him and my employers are fantastic about that.

I must say that since having a child, I am still dedicated to doing the best job I can do but I actually push myself harder now. Things that would have put me out of my comfort zone before, are not that frightening anymore. I figure that if I can birth a baby and bring up a wonderful, well behaved child then I can do a few Executive Presentations and crack a few deals .....:laughing:

[Janelle]

Just return to work few months ago and i missed my DS so much..

Sometimes i missed my old corporate life but if you ask me to choose between family and career i'd say career can wait. My FIL's wife return to work after their kids in school and she is doing great in her job now.

[spiritedfamily]

I think 30 something is an age where identity crisis are higher...just because its that stage in life where you are free from expectations and have a chance to look at yourself a little more closely. I have had babies from the age of 21 and so I didn't have the business career as such...but I do still look back at times and pine for the earlier years but I wouldn't change any of it...as I love the children in my life.

[rubyredlips]

I think I know where youre coming from Curlz....I had a great job before my DD was born 6 months ago although it was very busy and quite stressful sometimes! My little one is v placid so my days are relatively calm....playing.....feeding.....walks...cleaning.. ..shopping....blah blah..blah.

Now, although I am smitten with my dd and am treasuring this time together, I do feel quite 'out of it' when around other adults that are working and busy, I struggle for conversation and tend to avoid talking about myself as I feel I have nothing to contribute.

ALSO in this pot is the loss of independance almost financially, I cant just go and buy whatever I want now as DP is supporting us ( I managed to go 5 months before I would let him put any money into my account! stubborn taurean I think), cheapo haircuts and daggy undies!! THATS ME!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

Still.....shouldn't whinge! I am a lucky lady I reckon!

[Jamily]

I think the hardest thing when becoming a parent for the first time is the life adjustment. No more 'popping' out to the shops, going to the toilet/having a shower when you want, watching TV shows in the day that you like and clean clothes for more than 10 mins are a mystery to me nowadays!!! I found it hard to get my head around the fact that someone else ruled my life suddenly!