While my daughter was young, I worked part-time. I was also living on government support to supplement my income; I was as poor as the proverbial church mouse, but happy. I had time to be creative, to cook, to read, to study, to write. I lived a very simple life and I enjoyed it immensely. My time was my own. I chose how I used it and in what capacity. Being a mother, and having the time to enjoy motherhood and the freedom it brought, was a wonderful gift. It has only been in the last five or so years