Pre-Covid, I would go out with friends for dinner or drinks one night a week. Always after bedtime (kids go down at 6 and 7, so I would leave after the 6. My husband would do the 7). One night a week we have a babysitter for date night. One night a week I'd go to a workout class/or on Saturday morning. The issue isn't working, but having a partner who you share the load with. If I really wanted to go to something at 5, my husband will gladly pick up from daycare, make dinner, and put them both to bed. I would return the favor by doing the same for him, but we don't keep track since that feels less like a partnership and more like score keeping. On weekends we each get an hour for working out, and then one morning to sleep in till 9. If I wanted to use my sleep in time (~3 hours) to go out with a friend during the day on Saturday, I could do that but would try and go during the kid nap/quiet time window. I have a friend whose husband has not yet put their kids to bed independently. If you have a man child for a spouse, you will be exhausted with a FT job. You also won't be able to see as many people for play dates, you only have two weekend days and most working moms I know like to have some weekend time at home to prep for the week. Post Covid, I'm effing tired.