Olympus 14-42mm F.35-5.6 EZ - intermittent focus problems / replacement advice?

I have the same lens that I use occasionally.  It is very convenient since it is so small when collapsed and a useful general purpose focal length range.  I got mine as part of a new E-M10II kit when that body came out so it cost almost nothing.  You might consider buying the same lens again.  Probably you can get a good used one or a new one that was part of a kit for a good price.  Check ebay.

Of course, if you want bigger then there are many other choices to consider.

I also have the lens and as well using it extensively.  I have been thinking about a replacement since I bought it in 2014, but when it comes to compactness and reach, there is not much out there.  I think that this has been the complaint over the past weeks here, that Oly and Pana have issued a lot of large lenses, but have neglected an important aspect of m43 - compactness.

Unfortunately my 14-42 EZ has also shown to be very  sensetive to humidity/water and needed 3x repair.

The only alternative that somehow comes close is the Pana 12-32 pancake, but that one is a little short for my taste...

There are no really compact Pro or Leica lenses.  The only choices in that size are the Oly 17mm 2.8, Pana 20mm f1.7 or 14mm f2.5.

So, unless you like any of those, or can live with bigger and heavier stuff, best to go back to basics and get a new (or used) 14-42 EZ.

However, for your purpose, as described above, I would also look into the Pana 12-60mm f2.8-4 or f3.5-5.6, since they both have longer reach and better optics, while still being ok-ish in size, but probably tooooooo big for a purse...

Well, good luck...

Lars