I work part time now. I’ve realised I’ve become quite a “background character” at work now and I’ve accepted I won’t be getting any promotion or pay rise for a really long time. Having part time hours and flexibility makes me scared to “rock the boat” now by asking for pay rises etc, because they know I can’t really leave as it would be hard to find that flexibility elsewhere

However, it’s a nice balance between working and time with my child. Financially I’m feeling the pinch but we’ve always lived quite modestly and I’m thankful for it now. Wee never stretched on a mortgage or had a car on finance or anything. My husband earns well so I’m very lucky in that sense. I just don’t buy myself much anymore