First time poster. Just wondering if anyone else has felt this. I was primarily a SAHM when my kids were little, too (a few part-time roles here and there), but I never felt guilty about it. After all, it was a 24/7 job! My husband has a demanding career and my oldest is autistic (diagnosed at 4). Whew, those were some HARD years after his diagnosis. I honestly think working would have been easier than raising him when he was little. We're in a much better place now, but he's 8 and it's still much more demanding to parent him than my youngest. I dunno, I think I try to remind myself that I deserve a break after all those hard, overwhelming years. But I still struggle so much with my identity. Am I worthless? I feel like even my in-laws judge me for not doing enough, but maybe that's all in my head. I actually do work very part-time as a fitness instructor, but that's only 5-7 hours a week...though it does give me some purpose and a hobby.

My issue is that I get overwhelmed so easily...I don't think I could handle working 40 hours a week and manage everything else well...and also, my family is happy. I know that should matter most. My husband and I seem to be happier than most of our married peers; we rarely eat takeout; I rarely feel overly stressed and that leads to a happier home; I have more time for all my son's therapies; I can drive my kids to school and pick them up and hang out with them after school; we don't need any childcare; I get to work doing my "hobby"; I'm in great shape because I have time to workout; I have great friendships; I have time for errands and self-care; my husband can easily go to the gym after work and pursue his hobbies because I'm not as stressed from working all day...the list of positives goes on!

WHY, then, do I constantly feel guilty? Like I'm not enough or doing enough? Sorry, this is just a vent because I hate letting "social expectations" ruin what a good thing we have going. Any advice is appreciated. :)