Feeling lost/not sure who I am??

[PumpkinSpicedLatte]

Hi, this isn’t as dull of a post as the title sounds.

Bit of background; I’m 30, a mum of two (one biological and one step child).
I currently work part time due to the cost of wrap around care for the kids being astronomical.
I enjoy my job, but don’t quite feel like it’s ‘me’.
I’ve always worked for the NHS, ever since I left college, and it feels like a safe place to work and it is familiar.
I have done a mixture of ward work, and admin. I prefer ward/clinical as admin was too dull for me and not enough patient interaction.
Anyway, once I decided I was going to try and start a family 5 years ago (with my ex), we decided the shift pattern on the ward (13.5 hour days) wouldn’t work due to child care so I went on to do 9-5 shifts, until I got pregnant and then went on mat leave.

My current job is lovely but I don’t feel like I am thriving and I am so limited to work due to the lack of wrap around care for the children (so it’s got to be 9-2 preferably) , I can’t drive and my partner has to leave for work by 7:30 and isn’t back til gone 5.
I guess I just wondered if anyone else has ever felt the same, and what did you do?
what job have you ended up settling for and do you enjoy it or is this just how life is once you become a parent?

I am willing to change career but no idea what to look for with such limitations.
I am a people person, love healthcare but going into something like pharmacy, blood bank, wards won’t work due to childcare.
I am just at a loss!

No real advice, and you don't say what age your children are, but just came on to say that this period of time won't last forever you may feel lost but in the grand scheme of things your children will probably look back at this period of their and appreciate you being around. I was a stay at home mum for 5 years as my husbands job made it impossible for me to work. 20 years on I don't regret it, but then I didn't have a career as such. But did go on to have my own business and be financially successful. Could you learn to drive? This would definately be a skill that would stand you in good stead going forward.

@Imtoooldforallthis thank you so much.
they are almost 4.5. So still young. You’ve made me feel a lot better. I have considered setting up my own business but no idea how to go about it, how did you do it?
I unfortunately can’t learn to drive due to a medical condition that means I’m not allowed for a certain period of time.

I bought a small retail business that was up and running. I was fortunate to have the funds to buy it and then improve it over time.ive since sold it.

Could you look at jobs within your GP practice. It may take a while to find something but there are lots of jobs that would give you patient interaction.