I have very recently returned to a fairly senior well paid role after 9 years as a SAHM
To say I have landed on my feet would be an understatement. 3 days a week, very interesting role, and a London salary for Home Counties location (although in London regularly, which I’m happy about).
It is full on though, and I’m finding it consuming. In a good way but I’m sure the novelty will wear off in time.
Anyway I keep having to pinch myself. Sitting in meetings, high level strategic discussions, product development and so on. No one is interested in how many children I have / how they sleep / what’s their favourite food / what after school activities they do etc etc. I am me and my value is determined by what I can offer by way of my brain / industry knowledge and experience. It’s a revelation.
Even dressing in my work clothes and travelling my train to London feel exciting at this point.
I can’t get my head around fact it’s been 9 years and I’m back. Quite honestly it feels utterly surreal.
Interestingly I am so much more confident that I was 9 years ago, even though I am 9 years out of the environment. I am also a lot more philosophical about things. Meetings for example, I will prepare and give my all, but if something doesn’t go quite to plan, I don’t beat myself up about it - I simply treat it as a learning experience and move on. Also, I would previously be intimidated and almost reverential to those much senior to myself. Now? I’m not least bit intimidated. They may well be very senior but I realise that doesn’t demand my respect per se.
Does anyone else share these feelings?!