I think it is /normal/ to think a first road bike doesn't fit. I can't think of anything more UNCOMFORTABLE than a flat bar bike. My guess is that you have fit issues.
The trouble with being more upright, is that over long distances your bum will be killing you, since your weight will be on it. Also with flat bars, your wrists will hurt. I could go on and on... but all the features of so-called comfort bikes are all ironically named.
Work on your fit and give it more time before throwing more money at it.