I’ve been trying to find a “room of my own” since moving from a 2400 square foot house to 1400 square foot house with four children and two dogs. I am using a corner of the living room for now, but I get easily distracted when the children are watching a video. After they have gone to bed, it gets easier.

But most of all, it was important for my son to see that there was another dimension to Mom that didn’t necessarily include him 24/7. I think he ultimately respected that. He often accompanied me to the offices of my newspaper editors (this was before the Internet changed journalism) and he learned how my business worked from all angles, in and outside our home.

You’re absolutely right about women needing to prepare themselves for financial difficulties and changes. Divorce aside, look at all the people who are losing jobs in this economy. It helps if both spouses have career/financial back-up. — Cindy La Ferle

I used Woolf’s idea in a metaphorical way as in I thought all women should have some profession or work of their own that did not include kids and husband as a way to have independence. Even practiced in a basement In fact, I think Woolf may have said that (again years since I read it) women should have at least a small income of their own for that reason.

Not even necessarily full time but something that keeps at bay the temptation to make decisions that might not serve them or their kids because they are financially dependent on a husband.

I admit, it’s my bias as I’ve had a number of women friends who, along with their kids, were left financially high and dry after divorces from previously wealthy but suddenly empty pocketed husbands.

But I can’t help but think the sense of self and satisfaction that comes from it is worthwhile.