9 mm was what I was going with until couple of my friends (they're volunteer deputies) completely laughed at me for being a woman.
10,000+ rounds and I haven't outgrown it yet.
I'm probably not as good of a shooter as Tucker, but I've not shot with many LEOs who can out-shoot me or even handle their firearms well. Those that do learned outside their job specific training. I was OPOTA firearms certified at one point and it was VERY easy. Someone having and FFL or owning a gun shop also doesn't mean they know anything. There is no firearms proficiency test to get an FFL.
If you find shooting a .22 boring you probably aren't going to be interested in training to a high level of proficiency. The flash, noise, and recoil doesn't continue to motivate many people for the thousands of rounds required. Just buy a revolver and glock in 357 mag or 9mm and call it a day. Try not to look down the barrel when something doesn't work right
I'd normally say 22lr also, but I think it is likely that market will be a mess for several more years, so I can't recommend it.
I'd ask around and find one of the reputable shps in your area. I'd then call them, tell them you are a new shooter and you wanted to know when a good time to chat with one of their salesman knowledgeable about the product you are interested would be.
I just picked up a part time job in a boutique store hoping to learn about their products. There is a lot of product knowledge and the older guys who know their stuff are more than happy to help a new person out and have a one hour conversation, but only if they have the time. If you come in at a time when it is busy they are only going to give a new person 15 minutes.