I'm currently in a job that is interesting and reasonably well paid and which allows me to work very flexibly and part time. However I have a very long commute and no prospect of being able to do the same thing in a better location; I can't progress any further without giving up some of my flexible working; and if my manager left, a new manager might not accept my work pattern (which is unusual within the organisation).
I have a child with ASD who cannot cope in childcare, and the length of my commute means I can't drop off or pick up on my working days. I rely on my mum for help and as she gets older obviously she may not be able to continue. A nanny would be the obvious solution but the cost of a nanny plus my commute would wipe out most if not all my income.
So I feel like I need a plan for the future. I am thinking of retraining as a company secretary, as this would use some of my existing skills and I could potentially work freelance or part-time while earning good money.
My fear is that I could invest a lot of money and time in studies but then be unable to get a suitable role that fits in with childcare etc, I also live in a fairly rural area so there aren't going to be lots of jobs on my doorstep.
I wonder whether I should lower my sights and get a job as a teaching assistant or retrain as something I consider a bit boring eg book keeping as these sorts of jobs are plentiful in my local area.
At the moment I am just hanging on in current job, which is great for now, but probably isn't going to be sustainable long term.
DH works full-time in an industry where there is little flexible or part time working. He finishes early one day a week in order to do drop off and pick up but for greater flexibility he would probably also need to change career.
Grateful for any and all advice!