Real-life 9 to 5s: Spotlight on Abi Lingwood

What is your job?

I am a stay-at-home parent/good old-fashioned housewife. I gave up work when my first child was born in 2014; before that I was selling cars for BMW (where I met my husband – my former boss. Not all bosses are as bad as Hart!).

Tell me a little about what that entails day-to-day?

My day largely involves ensuring the family has everything they need. I walk the dog, do the food shopping, laundry, light DIY and handle the school runs. I have two autistic children, so I’m often ‘on call’ for school if either of them is struggling and sometimes needs to come home.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

I enjoy being able to be there for my children whenever they need me. Honestly, I don’t know how I could have a (paid) job with SEN children – hats off to anyone that can juggle both!

Do you have any tips for people who might like to do something similar?

Make sure you have good friends/family and a support system around you, it’s a godsend in one sense but can be isolating.

If given the chance to do musical theatre for a living instead, would you take it?

I studied musical theatre for 3 years after leaving school. I had a further couple of years working professionally (small gigs) which was fun but hard slog. I got close to an ensemble part in Mamma Mia before I broke my big toe which blew it for me. After that I decided to get a ‘real job’ as wanted to earn money to move out of home. The best thing I did since was to join The Sainsbury Singers in 2008 allowing me to be onstage alongside my then ‘real job’. I am so happy to still be part of the society, albeit with a couple of breaks along the way.