What to do after maternity leave

[ZingyLemonViewer]

Hi all,
Looking for some guidance please/some different ideas of what I can do!
I am due to have my first baby in June, and I'm currently working an hour away from where I live. I absolutely hate where I work and really don't want to go back. I know I won't find the same money elsewhere, even if I went part-time at my current job, as PT jobs usually just pay minimum wage, but that's fine.
Currently unsure on what to do as if I get a job closer to where I live, I won't know about this until near the end of my maternity leave and may struggle to find childcare last minute!
Really panicking about what to do - Any suggestions may bring a different perspective so any suggestions are welcome!
Thanks so much!

What is your current role/industry? What skills/qualifications do you have?

Definitely get out of the mindset that part time jobs usually pay minimum wage, all sorts of roles have part time positions at various levels.

Panicking now about something that may or may not happen in potentially over a years time is also not going to help.

After a few months of mat leave, sign up with recruitment agencies, keep your eyes and ears open locally if you don't want a big commute, use word of mouth locally and in your industry to hear of any vacancies going. Don't resign from your current role just in case you need to go back there even just temporarily if you don't find something else in time. You can always resign at the end of mat leave if you need to, you don't need to decide now, keep your options open.

Be aware that if you get enhanced maternity pay, you have to go back for at least some period of time, or else pay the company back.

Yes! Luckily in this instance I don’t get enhanced maternity pay!

Is a jobshare a possible option?