So confused about life since becoming a parent

[zcjtb43]

We were settled pre child in a lovely village new to both of us, far from family and friends but we could travel with ease. We enjoyed exploring our new life, stable jobs etc.
since kids and covid we have changed jobs and considered changing jobs further and changing location to be nearer family. We've both done part time and full time and stay at home options and life is still hard!
Our house is too small now, but we are in an endless debate about where to go that would suit me, Hubby, girls, both now and as they grow up, and are frightened to make a mistake.
Does anyone else have this experience? It's an endless search on Rightmove click bate and random job changes.
It's getting ridiculous. How on Earth do we settle down? Not sure if I'm just addicted to all this thinking or if we need to change things. We've come close to moving but been pulled back to our old house (probably through exhaustion!).

Stay in the same area just a bigger house?

It sounds like you're having a hard time because there are so many variables here - (a) how much to work, (b) in what jobs (c) in what locations, and (d) where to live.

All of these variables are very important and impact one another, so you're just going around in circles. I think you need to narrow your thoughts a bit here to a few areas to live - where you are now and near family - then look at housing and jobs in each of those areas.

Or, if you are 'set' on any one of the variables, such as how much to work or where to work, go from there.

I'd fix the jobs first - can you find a job that you love, something that will be a long term career and will bring pay rises / satisfaction etc? Then move to be near the job, and also nearer family.

are your kids primary or secondary age? are you near good schools or is that another motivation to move.

Extend your house and stay put?

I think you need to try and re-set your mindset op. It's good that you have choices! You are lucky to be able to afford a bigger house! So although these choices are stressful because you don't want to make the wrong decision, take a deep breath, and count your blessings.
And try and bear in mind that it's very rare that any one decision is totally bad!

Usually there is good and bad in every change of direction.

And now you have a child the choice is easy because personally for me I would prioritise education. Obviously the location of the biggest earning job is important too! So I would be looking at primary, but more importantly secondary schools, and make your choices based on that! Good luck!