Is my job really that bad??

[ForLemonFinch]

First time posting -
Need someone to tell me I actually have the best job in the world.
Been with my employer for 18 years, one of the only few remaining from the beginning. Know the job inside out and have helped everyone who’s joined the department with training etc.
Spoke for years about progression but nothing transpired.
Over recent years the job has been great for childcare (only reason I have stayed) working from home with no issues with children being at home; can do school pick up/drop offs, don’t miss any school events and I’m there for the kids for all school holidays… some would say it’s a parents dream job!
I’m struggling now as I feel brain dead with the job .. I’ve been asking for challenges/progression but have been told it’s difficult as I work from home, all office staff some only in the role a few months who I have trained are given promotions/challenges and I’m just left doing the same tasks day in day out.. it seems like out of sight out of mind! For context the office relocated a few years ago 1.5 hrs away so i am unable to work from there, with the children it wouldn’t be feasible.

AIBU to feel this way ? On paper it’s a parents dream job but I do miss a challenge and feel I have let myself down being stuck in this position all these years, the pay is reasonable but not great. Id love to leave and get another job with better pay and challenges but then we would be worse off paying for childcare and I wouldn’t be with my children. Just need someone to tell me kids come first and I can make a career when they are older.

My reply is also based on the fact that I had a job with a commute of 1 hour each way to work.
Although this was often longer due to bad traffic & RTAs

BTW
Have you written a training manual or Wiki incase you are sick or leave the company?
Are you a "single point of failure/knowledge"
If you are not there, who has the knowledge ?

I think you should probably stay in role. No childcare costs, no commute, can work around your children, sounds pretty good. The no progression or stimulation is rubbish obviously but try to find the mental stimulation outside work maybe? Could take open uni courses, read books, join a club, I think if I were in your shoes I’d use the time to upskill so that when my youngest was at school I could then progress. At the moment your set up is probably as perfect as you can get for your family. Good luck 🙂

If you are serious about wanting a more challenging career, you have to make it happen. Your current employer is never going to offer you progression as you are seen as a part-time worker with a cushy job who prioritises her children.

You need to commit to full time working and sort out childcare. Research the sort of jobs and companies that would suit you and that you could realistically do. Invest in the training you'd need and start applying/going for interviews. Consider engaging a career coach to boost your CV sufficiently to be considered for such positions.

None of this is going to happen unless you are fully committed.