Sounds like a plan mollykins,
after over twenty years with same company I had advanced to UK Manager for computer Installations. However I was made redundant in '95, worked as temp in a PC Helpdesk call centre (hated it), but useful while I kept looking for a proper job. a year later, Do It All gave me a full time job as sales consultant and trainer (better than helpdesk). A year later landed a proper job as contracts administrator and Trainer.
But those couple of years waiting for a proper job were pure he**. I don't envy you, but soundls like you're doing what you have to, to get ahead.
Good luck from a thankfully now retired....
Old Salt