Did you ever feel like you wasted a chunk of your life

[macraven]

i forgot your question, busy reading all the replies and the tags.
can you repeat it please. it seems like the thread changed direction.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Oh baby you are WAY ahead of me!

 

[Tiggeroo]

Mystery Machine, go out and substitute. It's sort of the best of both worlds. And it's a great way to get back into the workforce. And you can turn down work on days your kids have trips or are sick. You can't do it too, too often at least in the beginning or they won't call you as much. You will love it. I exclusively teach high school and love working with these kids. They keep me young and are so funny. It will give you some perspective and help you to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life. It was the substituting fulll time this year that led me to question what I've been doing.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

So you are heading toward a goal of full time teacher or starting your own business or both?
Man you got it going on!

Yes, I plan to sub and then look for work elsewhere (maybe).
Thanks for the encouragement.

Oh, and it sounds like you are on track with most of the SAHM's I know.

 

[Disneymomma]

I used to think that until I came to the realization that I would not be where I am now if those earlier experiences had not occured. Like it or not , those "wasted" times motivated me to follow my dreams! We can't change the past, we can only determine our own destiny! Good luck and to you. We all have days like this!

 

[grinningghost]

I KNOW I wasted 7 years of my life with my ex-boyfriend. In all those 7 years, I can't think of anything positive that came out of them. It was nothing but abuse. I pray my daughter never gets involved in something like that.

 

[Tiggeroo]

I'm going to teach, and keep the business on the small side giving me a bit of an income in the summer. If something happens and it does really well, taking more time then I have planned, well I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
GrinningGhost, even a terrible situation like an abusive relationship can have plusses, once you are out. You will appreciate things more. And you can be a mentor to those trapped in a situation like that. Look at you. When you beat terrible odds and still manage to be a success, when you are a caring good person, then people can say wow I can't believe she came thru all that. If she can do it so can I. And you will be a much better parent to your dd. If you've stepped back and figured out what led you into that situation you can make sure your dd does not have the same experiences.

 

[Trish Bessette]

I don't feel like I"ve wasted any moment of my life. My life is the way it is because of MY actions. I am nearing 37 and have absolutely no fear to hit 40.

I have a great family. My husband is the best and loves our two girls. However I do do most everything around the home as many posted earlier (physicals, keep in touch with school, talk to them about growing up, etc) but I LOVE it. I was fully aware at the age of 25 when I was pregnant with my first what parenthood entails.

All I can offer for advise is take some time for you. I work full time and occasionally I take a day off for me. I don't do much, stay at home and just reflect on my life. That's all it takes to recharge my battery

 

[PatriciaH]

Originally posted by Tiggeroo
I'm also working on starting my own business. I've got the basic plan done and have started meeting with relevant people. And as I get excited about this there are also regrets that it would have been much easier to do when I was younger.

Don't worry-you are still young! My aunt was in her 50's when she went to medical school to become a doctor.

 

[Microcell]

I worry about that often! MY kids are 2 and 6 and I am just working around my DH and do not have good prospects for the near future as far as good employment. I do think that it is more important that I work around my DH, so I can be there for my kids and there is nowhere else I want to be. I may sacrifice my future, but I feel responsible for theirs. My DH would love to build furniture for a living, but he works retail because you have to do what you have to do for your family.

 

[dumboiu]

Originally posted by PatriciaH
I admire you mothers, but I look back at my SAH mothers life and the life of a few of her sisters that were SAHM's and feel they lost themselves and gave up their talents. I am glad my mother was there for me, but I also wish she was able to achieve more of the things she wanted to do.

If your mother wasn't there for you, you may not be the person you are now. Maybe staying home with you WAS the achievement that she wanted to do.

 

[dumboiu]

Originally posted by PatriciaH
Don't worry-you are still young! My aunt was in her 50's when she went to medical school to become a doctor.

Please tell us about your aunt. Her story sounds very interesting and uplifting!!!!

 

[CEDmom]

For me I'm not so sure it's that I wasted part of my life as it is that I've made some poor decisions. Now I'm very happy with my life but it took awhile to feel that way.

As far as the male factor here I don't think it's that men don't put the time and attention to their families that women do but their brains are just wired differently. Most women are multi-taskers having several things going on at once and also thinking about what has to be done next. On the flip side most men can only single task and stay focused until they move onto the next thing. It's Mars vs. Venus.

to everyone going through a rough patch.