To think part time = a dead end job

[Canthaveitall]

I returned to work a few years ago after having had 5 years at home. Before that I worked in scientific research but I have not returned to that field due to moving and having had time off . I was happy about it at the time as I felt I had done all I had wanted in the 10 years I had been in that field.

I fell on my feet (or so I thought at the time) and managed to get into the IT industry in a support/admin role. I work 30 hours over 5 days . Children are now year 1 and year 3. I have done reasonably well - had several job offers thrown at me when they have arisen but all have been at the same level. I recently asked about a job at a higher level and was told only if I was FT.

AIBU to think that's pretty much it. If I don't work FT then I have to accept the support/admin roles? I think it's different if you are in a job f/t beforehand. I could kick myself as I know the science research job could have been done p/t if I had stuck it out. Although I wouldn't have been able to move to where we are now and I was fed up with it all at the end but am now doing that rose tinted glasses thing and fantasise about spending my days looking at petri dishes instead of moving bits of paper about.

So, do I suck it up as I have made the choice to work PT (albeit 30 hours which sure feels f/t even though I feel unfulfilled and frustrated ?

Go for FT job in current industry as it's a promotion even though I think i will be making my life a whole lot more difficult ?

Or, I have seen a job in my old industry - it would mean a 1.5 hour journey each way but DH said he would consider moving if I liked it.

I do part time - ''3 days per week" which equates to around 27 hrs. I don't feel dead ended. PT v rare in my company but this role started as a pilot and then carried on so it's a genuine PT role rather than a compromise- not sure if that makes a difference. It's also in my interests to be efficient and prove its a genuine PT role as don't want to go FT at the moment. However, there are a lot of part time roles in my area (which is originating opportunities and managing the grant making process for a family foundation) because most of them don't need a FT person. I have a friend who does a day a week for 3 separate ones. People from lots of different backgrounds too.

If you jack it in completely you wont get back to science. One day a week doing something highly skilled is better than three days a week on admin.