need a bit of a pep talk: how to get work mojo back

[quesadilla]

I work in the media and have been doing what I do for about 16 years and have been more or less successful (never been out of a job and always earned enough to support myself). And I love it, or used to love it. In the past two years my professional self-esteem has plummetted to the point where I feel like I will never be able to get another job or any description, never mind in my industry. This is a combination of several things: 1) the industry I work in is basically becoming obsolete and there are no jobs 2) I kind of got stuck on the mummy track and took my foot off the pedal after having my dd who is now 2 and 3) my company, which I used to love, has become a shitty place to work with everyone paranoid about their jobs and total confusion about what people are supposed to be doing from one day to the next. I'm still in a relatively well-paid job which I count myself lucky for. But I have been trying to get other jobs in adjacent industries for months with no luck. I've been talking to my GP and thinking about getting therapy about it. I'm also seriously considering a total career change although I don't really want to do anything else and don't know what else I could do.
I know a lot of people are in far worse places in employment terms so I don't want to sound self-pitying. But has anyone who's been through a similar trough got any advice about how to a) make good choices when you're considering a change under pressure and b) feel better about yourself and stay positive. (If its relevant I earn more than my husband so I can't afford to take time off or work unpaid to do an internship to try anything else out).

[MumOfMissy]

I always think of people who went on Mat Leave then come back after a year and think "well, what did they actually miss in that year?". Know what? Nothing! We were just busy doing the same old sh*t! (I work in Advertising). So even though you may feel out of the loop, in reality you're not and all your experience is just as relevant. What is your industry which is becoming obsolete? You could always go freelance, you"ll earn more per day even if u don't work every single day...

Re the career change, I read a book once called (bear with me) "What color is your parachute?". It sounds like a load of American Toss but its actually good at getting you to define what it is you really enjoy doing.

[quesadilla]

Thanks MumofMissy: I work in journalism and trust me, it really is obsolete. National newspapers no longer hire, certainly not permanent work its all short contracts with no perks and security. The few jobs that do come up tend to be done on recommendations and aren't advertised. And the networking you need to do to get them is difficult because of childcare issues I could go into trade journalism but it would mean taking a big pay cut. I've tried and failed -- to get into PR. And freelance pay is rubbish. Thanks for the book recommendation: I could do with something like that now.

[MumOfMissy]

You sound pretty jaded with journalism. Maybe a change of direction would give you your mojo back? Could you write features freelance to support yourself while you establish your new career? Plus with all the online publications out there, could that be more compatible with your childcare? You could work from home. Re the pay cut, unfortunately sometimes you have to be prepared to take one in order to change your life for the better in the long term. There are also life coaches out there if you need someone to give you support and inspiration. Hope that book I mentioned isn't too wanky for you! Good luck with whatever you choose.