So, I’ve had to work up the nerve to do this. Reading the thread it looks like this is where i can let it all out. I think it’s easier in some ways here to people who I don’t know personally, i apologise in advance.
Life is super stressful at the moment. Although there is some light at the end of the tunnel, I feel like Im crawling to reach it, and I dont know how much strength I have.
My mum was diagnosed with cancer november last year and died in April after a very sudden decline. She was young (inly just turned 61), was the most hands on to help with my children, and was the person who I could talk to about absolutely anything. I would go to her for advice and my children absolutely adored her. Although my dad, and husbands parents are still alive, none of them are quite the same with my children (she took being granny with such enthusiasm). Im the oldest of my siblings, so its been mostly down to me to support dad with the will and funeral. My siblings are great, and they have been involved and supported in other ways.
On top of this I have been completing my MA in social work, and I was on my final placement when mum got ill. I just have my dissertation tongo, which im working theough but its been a real struggle.
I have a job lined up for after I qualify (in social work), which will be welcome in many ways after having such a tight 2 years whilst studying on limited income. Alongside this I set up a business (also in social work) in December (because i wasn’t busy enough!!). A friend of mine presented an opportunity and it was too good to pass up. Business is going well, and we’ve been offered an opportunity for expansion. However, I now need to work out how to line this up with my other job (I need the other to complete my newly qualified year, but if I don’t take the opportunity with my business i will miss it).
My husband works long and unpredictable hours, so he’s not often around leaving me feeling like Im raising the children alone (they are 5 and 7). Its been like this for a long time, although it feels like its steadily gotten worse. I dont even know what time he’ll finish each day/night. However, he has been successful in getting a new job which will have him working from home more, actually have 2 days off a week and have fairly regular hours. Im counting down the days!
It feels like in some ways I’ve powered through the hardest part, and there’s a few bits left but those just feel too much. Its like I’ve suddenly run out of steam. There’s some positives coming, although I know I’ll have more struggles to.come, especially getting through the future without mum.
Im not sure what I’m hoping for from this, but I felt like I needed to lay it out somewhere as I’ve just been holding it together.
Sorry for the long, long post, and thank you if you’re still reading!!