I'm there in the don't compare echo chamber. Work is a necessity. I hadn't married wealth so no spousal support here. Dedicated to survival for myself and my kids. I'd initially been judged harshly for taking the first position in the specific department that I did. I had to try to balance little to no community style support(great friends neighbors or family to watch my kids for me) with my need to find a job, something, anything. This field isn't exactly disappearing like so many do. Juggled income streams and did what I had to do before they were all school aged. Then one thing led to another and because of my work ethic and degree I do share office space, kind of, with the director of my department.
Some days though...grrr. :\ Hasn't been easy.