WWYD? Not happy, but not miserable in my job

After having my son, I decided to become a SAHM. We moved when he was 14 mos. old and I went back to work as our rent had doubled. I started looking for work and also took some county and state civil service exams. I started working for a small company about 30 miles from home. I enjoy the job and company. I was called for a county job and left (after 11 mos. at the new job.) I worked the county job for 10 weeks and left, I was absolutely miserable. I cannot find enough ways to express how unhappy I was. I called my previous job and they took me back (though in a different position.) I’ve been back since December, and while I like my position and the company, I am not as happy as I want to be.

I know I should be happy a have a job, and happy I don’t have a 74 mile (each way) commute that DH does. But I feel I should be and could be happier. Ideally I would like a job close to home, less hours and something I more enjoy. Currently I am working M-F 8am-5pm. I leave the house by 7:15 (or else I’ll be late) and after work have to rush to pick up DS at daycare (30 miles from work) by 5:45, so as not to incur “extended time” fees. The “only” positive thing about the county job was about 16 miles from home, my hours were 8-4:30pm and I was 8 miles from DS daycare. I don’t regret leaving the county job b/c I know I was not happy- but I wonder, what if.

I do not know what to do. I’ve briefly looked at jobs closer to home (Riverhead) but nothing serious. I am 19 wks pregnant, so I wouldn’t take a new job now. I’ve mentioned (to DH) about not coming back to this job when I take maternity- but rather looking for a new job. But DH says, “make sure b/c if you leave I don’t think your job will take you back again.” He’s right.

I’ve contemplated going back to school, but it’s hard financially right now. I have an associate degree in Criminal Justice, and have a number of years experience in the optical field. I love data entry and customer service.

Any thoughts/ideas??? I know this wasn’t really a question, but I’m at a loss for what I could/should do and looking for an outsiders input. TIA.

Re: WWYD? Not happy, but not miserable in my job

Im kinda in the same boat. I live in PA, work in NYC. I was working here before I moved to PA and it carries our health benefits. Had DS last october.

I spend 2 hrs each way on trains to get here every day. the cost is now $600 a month with the NJ transit 25% increase. Between that and daycare..my salary is a wash.

although i love my coworkers, work for a great company I would have no problem leaving here. Im not challenged much anymore and my boss is getting more on my nerves every week. I miss my son terribly.

Im currently looking for a part time work at home gig. I already have a home business that brings in $$, but not good enough yet for a sole income. although if i had more time to work on it, i could totally work it to be a sole income.

So im sure this doesnt help you much. But if you're so so with the job..ride it out until the pregnancy is over; maybe while you are on leave, start weighing your options, look for things in the fields you like. Easier said than done with 2 kids in the house im sure, but if you can dedicate a few hours a week, you can probably come up with a plan.