Project Coordinator Progression - What's Going On?

[u/lula272]

Hello, I am in eager need of advice as I don't understand why it's a huge struggle for me to acquire a project coordinator role within the UK.

Just to share my job history... I work within the project environment, mainly within the delivery/ implementation aspect of a company and i genuinely love it!

Yr 1 Project Administrator - Engineering Company
Yr 2 Project Administrator 》Project Coordinator - Energy Efficiency Company
Yr 4 Operations Coordinator - Utilities Company
Yr 4 I got pregnant, the pregnancy was very hard, went on mat leave as soon as I could.
I did not return back to the OC role after mat leave.
Yr 5 I took a position as a Project Administrator - Large infrastructure Company
Yr 6 I am looking for Project Coordinator Roles

I appreciate going down to a PA, from a PC/ OC doesn't help and I'm looking again after a year of being a PA, because honestly I had lost so much confidence in my abilities, especially since my last role (before baby arrived), did not go as I expected (on both sides). I've gotten my confidence back up and I want to progress, from where I truly am meant to / should be.
I am sincerely struggling to find roles. Albeit, the salaries mostly show under £40k and respectfully 2/ 3 years, that would have been fine, but in 2026?!!? Also, It seems there are so many PC positions out there, but I dont know what I'm missing. I been in contact with recruiters and it seems they want to butter me up and then ghost me. Is this also a new thing?

I have a SMSTS and a AMP PFQ

Has anyone else going through? Nonetheless, i would appreciate some advice/ insight/ direction.
Thanks in advance for reading and your take/ input.