The struggle between good for child care/job satisfaction

[StrawPony]

I have been in my current role for 10 years and my youngest son is 8. The job is great in that it is flexible so that I can do school drop offs, no pressure to put in extra hours and can attend kids school events/appointments. But if it wasn’t for that I would have left ages ago. I’m bored of the job and have a couple of bitchy colleagues that bring me down. I know that the sensible thing to do would be to stick it out for another 3 years, waiting for my youngest to finish primary but it is really getting me down. Anyone else feel trapped like this?

I know exactly what you're saying. It's hard not to become resentful. My youngest is 7, so similar, and I'm trying to think of it as a long term plan i.e. in 3 years' time I want to be doing X, so I'll use the time between then and now to make sure I land that amazing job when the time is right. Easier said than done on boring days though...

I couldn't stick out 3 years, I've only got a year to go but am job searching after trying this role for a year. It's a dream job in terms of flexibility, but I'm bored. So I'm trying out some applications and will discuss flexibility if I'm offered any, nothing to lose. Why don't you do that?

the good thing is that you are in work and aren't under pressure to leave .

i don't think there is any harm in starting to look for other work. You may find a new job that meets your requirements, but you can take your time in looking.

When you aren't where you want to be, it can feel like an endless slog, so use this time to prepare yourself for new work, even if you don't want to leave right now. So, work on your CV, get some interview practice in and work out what skills and experience you need in order to move on. the time will fly by.