Really need to appreciate what I've got....

[Firefightress1]

Last year we located from the city to a beautiful rural location, it was our deam and I had a job lined up with my previous employer which fell through due to finding bri g rescinded after we bought our house. I was absolutely devastated. I loved my job and have done it for 20 years so I had to find another option. I started a job just after we moved but realised quickly It wasn't for me. I've never worked mon - fri 9 - 5 and I missed the shifts.

So fast forward 6 months and I've managed to get one of the best paid jobs in the island, double my previous salary and shifts but I'm just not happy. I think I'm mourning my old job and I'm finding it difficult to move forward and accept that this is an amazing opportunity. There was a ridiculous amount of nightshifts this month due to an issue with the rota which is probably clouding my judgement but I feel exhausted and that I'm missing out on time with my hubbie and enjoying our new rural life.

I dont plan to do this job till retirement but the money is great and is helping us to renovate our house. Plus it takes the pressure off my hubbie as we are now more equal in our salaries.

I know I need a kick up the bum and to realise I've been so lucky but if you've had to leave your dream job because you had to and didn't want to, how did you manage and please tell me it gets better.

I haven't been in your shoes, but replying to bump your post.

Six months isn't very long to adjust to such a big change, I do think it's very normal to still feel a bit "homesick" for your old job. It's probably 6-12 months to start to feel at home in a new job.

That's before the fact you left a dream job of 20 years that you didn't want to leave. There's some grieving to do as well, which will take time but it will gradually get easier.

Cut yourself some slack and be patient with yourself.

Have you got any holiday coming up to recuperate a bit?

OP you sound exhausted and in a need of break.
Re actual job, I think money is important - how much time you need to finish the renovations?
However, money is not something to worth dreading going to your job every day, so I'd say give yourself a year at the new place, build your local connections, save up, look if there is something you'd love doing instead (remotely or not), but don't rush with the decisions right now. Don't drop a (probably) highly desirable local job just yet. Moving to another area, even if it's the place of your dreams, can be hard and that might be one of the contributing factors to your stress especially if you've lived in the hustle and bustle of the city before and now it's very much different. Adapting to changes can be stressful, and I'm sure nightshifts are not helping. I'd suggest hanging in there a bit more!

Thank you both for the replies, I think you are right. I'm exhausted and definitely need a break to reassess everything.

I think I've decided this will be temporary for minimum 2 years then I can think about retraining or looking for something with a better work life balance. I reached put to a couple of companies that are in the sector I would like to work in and received some positive replies today which have lifted my spirits.

I really appreciate your advice and thoughts.

Thank you

I'm glad you're feeling more hopeful today. I think sometimes we just need to be able to see a little light on the horizon.

I wish you all the best.