Angela 49. From Norfolk, married with two boys. Lives and works in London as an A&E nurse.

How are you?

Knackered! I worked last night and again today - there’s a lot going on. Work is knackering but it’s much more the psychological and emotional consequences that are hard. There’s much more responsibility and I’m answerable to more things now. The process has changed enormously since I started as a nurse.

On the home front I’m pleased the exams are over. Maybe I’m overly involved with my children's work?

What do you think about marriage?

I got married in 1990. Back in my village there was a societal expectation that you should be married. I was “the only spinster in the village”. I didn't want to get married until I was 30, I wanted my career first. Then when we got married people would ask, “When are you going to have children?” - It’s all expectation, expectation, expectation!

How do other people see you?

Bossy. Professionally if things go wrong people come to me. I’m a stabilising person with influence. I’m good at my job - conscientious. The authority comes with the uniform.

Who or what inspires you?

I like being by the sea. I love the uncontrollable power of the sea. I’m inspired by people who make a difference. People who get on with it in a crisis - carrying on through adversity.

What do you think about life?

Making a difference in whatever you do and bringing out the best in people. It’s people on the periphery of society that I find disturbing. 'Normal' is good! Having jobs and mortgages, being boring, dull and mundane is actually quite good for you. If you're on the outside it’s not great. We’re a quick fix society, physically and emotionally. There’s not a lot of common sense out there.

Are you free?

No not really. I have a contract to work. The day to day stuff, my children and responsibilities. Yes I can make my own choices, I’m not repressed by what I should say or do but I can't nip off to India tomorrow if I wanted to.