Woman Misses Being a Stay-At-Home Mom Now That She’s Back at Work: Says Having a Career Is ‘Lonely’ and ‘Boring’

A 47-year-old mother has opened up about how deeply she misses her time as a stay-at-home mom — and she’s curious if other women feel the same.

Sharing her thoughts on the “Am I Being Unreasonable?” forum on the U.K. community site Mumsnet.com, she explained that now that her daughter is in school, she’s returned to work — and the transition hasn’t been easy.

“We had so many adventures, had a great friendship group, did crafts, days out, dog walks, beach [and] baking. I just loved it,” she wrote. “I never thought I would miss her and that life so much.”

Although she once had a fulfilling career before motherhood, she admitted that her current work-from-home role feels “boring, lonely and unfulfilling.” She added, “Does anyone feel the same? I ache for those days.”

Many commenters responded with empathy, encouraging her to acknowledge her emotions but also focus on creating new joy in this chapter of life. One user reminded her, “Parenthood has different seasons. You’ll find it changes again, and you might find other stages you enjoy or more fulfillment in other areas of life.” They added that it’s natural to feel nostalgic, but “easy to over-romanticize” the past — and suggested she could recreate small pieces of that happiness during weekends or holidays.

Some commenters pointed out that the issue might lie more in her current job than in motherhood itself. “Of course it’s fine to be sad,” one person wrote, “but it’s not going to change anything. Can you change jobs or career to something more interesting? Try voluntary work or explore new hobbies?”

Another added that the longing for freedom isn’t unique to parents: “Most people, parents or not, would love to spend their days walking, going to the beach, or taking day trips. If finances allow, maybe cut back your hours and use that time for something that fulfills you — volunteering at your daughter’s school, joining a dog rescue, or taking up a hobby you’ve missed.”

The conversation reflects a familiar tension for many parents — learning to balance nostalgia for the past with the need to build a satisfying present.