Something new or stick with what I know?

I have little kids at home and had been looking to work again on a part time basis, but now our finances are steering me to look for full time work. I have adult experience and could work local travel and make a lot of $, or get a regular, stable job close to home with adults, and have a short commute. But I am having a strong desire to work in NICU or peds, which would be new for me. It would be a lot of learning and a longer commute. I know as a type this actually that I should go for what I desire to do. But I also see the good points of having a close commute, or making a lot more $ working agancy or local travel. But I wouldn't be as "excited" about my job I don't think. I don't even know if I can be hired for NICU, without experience in that field I am not guaranteed I can even do that. I also hope to do school nursing later on, when my kids are in school, so I might sub a little bit in our local schools as well. I am pretty much all over the place and I don't know what do to. Help!
I guess no one else knows what I should do either. I think it will basically come down to:#1 staying near home, familiar work environment, more $, or #2 longer commute and lower pay but for new experience that I might enjoy better... I keep going back and forth.
Really, it just comes down to what you personally want to do that would be rewarding and what works best for your family.
I think with little kids it's more important to be close to home. They are your most important concern.
Update - or lack of. I am still torn. I have the opportunity to work in a NICU but it involves an hour long drive through not entirely safe, unfamiliar areas. My other option is to stay closer to home, a half hour away, but in a position that is not new and exciting and I might hate... but is more money. I still keep changing my mind.