I don’t think it’s supposed to feel this hard
I’ve been a SAHM for about 3.5 years. I have a 3.5year old, a 20 month old, and a 12 year old step child. I’m basically a SAHM by necessity because I’ve never had a job that will come even close to covering the cost of childcare for all three kids (step kiddo lives with us full time), and I can’t justify going (further) into debt just for childcare.
I don’t have a village. I don’t have my parents nearby, and even if I did, I don’t think they’d be much help. My in-laws are much the same.
I rarely, if ever, get time to myself. My older kid will not go to bed before nearly nine (11 if he takes a nap), and both little ones are up by 7am.
I used to be so active, but I can barely find time to stretch, let alone actually exercise. I have to fight to get a shower every day, and I feel so angry and frumpy. I’ve tried to apply for part time jobs, but I’ve been completely rejected because I don’t have a current resume, despite having a degree and multiple certifications. I have an Etsy shop, but I barely have time to stock it.
I just feel so lost and behind in life. I just turned 33, and I don’t feel like I have a single thing in life figured out. Does anyone have any advice on how to make this suck less? I don’t want my kids’ childhood to be defined by a mother who’s barely holding on, and I don’t want to feel like this anymore.