Wow - I'm bowled over by the response!! It's really give me a lot to think about. I knew I could rely on you all for fantastic pearls of wisdom. Think I might print this thread off and read again.

I think the 'Do the Right thing' v ' Do What You Want' has been a real sticking point. I've been working in the Pensions industry for the last 8 years and I kinda feel I shouldn't just throw away all that experience, but this was never a career I specifically chose - I drifted into it as a temporary job that became permanent.

I don't have any kids yet, but hope to in the next few years, and hubby to be has been earning enough for us to get by, but I do wonder about the future. I have absolutly no savings and once I embark on motherhood I'm guessing it's not going to be easy to save. And while my BF is more than happy to support me, there's no guarantees in this world - anything can happen and I feel vulnerable at the thought of having no financial independance.

Salary wise - yeh, I like the nice stuff money can buy, but money can't buy you back those 2 hours a day on the train.

So, perhaps I should be brave, feel the fear and do it anyway and look for that local job - but one that lets me use my brain. ( don't want to sell myself short)

Oooohhh - scary and exiting all at the same time....!!!

Thanks All