I think you should go for it! And I think those unsupportive mom friends should shut the hell up. What's right for them isn't necessarily what's right for you or anyone else. And if they think there's only one right way to raise kids then they sound like pretty stupid people to me. Don't listen to them.

I'm glad you wrote about this. I have been going through a similar transition. I decided to look for a job recently even though I wasn't 100 percent sure I was ready to go back to work. I found a great job and managed to get an offer. I accepted it last week and even though I'm excited about the job, I have been going through some turmoil about whether or not it's the right thing.

But yesterday it all was made clear. Our new nanny came over and my 18 month old son couldn't stop hugging her and smiling. With me standing right there. So that was a good sign that he'd be fine with her. Then later that evening I went to a book reception with my soon-to-be colleagues and it felt great to be back in a professional setting.

So now I'm psyched. My advice is to push through the uncertainty and awkwardness of making a change in your life. You can always reverse course if you decide later it's not for you. Best of luck and let us know what happens with the job!