Mums Go Back to School: An exploration of ambition and loss in my family

Growing up, I knew that I would go to university and pursue a successful career. However, the death of my father and my Mum's subsequent decision to move us to Hull from Stornoway following my O-Levels in 1970, shattered that ambition when I couldn't settle in my new school and left during the lower sixth form with no idea what to do next.

Married at 18 and with two young daughters by the time I was 20, I struggled to find meaningful work due to a lack of qualifications, and I decided to redress that situation.

This book charts my journey from returning to study as a mature student in my early 20s, to my ultimate role as the HR Director on a European Management Team, responsible for 12 different countries. It also highlights my ongoing struggle to find a balance between my overwhelming need to achieve a successful career, and the needs of my family.

Writing this book, the second in my series, has taken me on another emotional journey and helped me see clearly that, although I achieved my career ambition, sadly I lost so much along the way.