Good luck with your job search! Of course, the perfect situation is when mommy stays at home, or someone else is home most of the day...But I also need to work
and I don't think it would change anytime soon (If I didn't work, I couldn't afford a dog, funny isn't it...). I used to leave Pepper in his play pen, but pretty soon I started gating him off in the kitchen, which is pretty big anyway and completely puppy-proof (I wouldn't trust him in a bedroom or other rooms when no one's home: cables, the Christmas tree right now and he gets into stuff). He has his toys and food, a bed and a little 'cave'. and pee pad. He sleeps most of the time and that whole energy comes out at night (
whew), I leave radio on so he doesn't get too focused on the noises outside. He stays alone for about 6-7 hours during the week.
Edited: Oh, and if your pup likes Kong, the better... He'll be a little occupied when you're not there. Mine doesn't like anything made of rubber