To think it's not worth it? New career needed?

[CryingOverSpiltMilk]

I was on maternity leave for nearly a year, have started a new role and have been chucked in with little training. My line manager is good, any questions are answered there and then but I often find there is a lack of agreement in course of action and staff aren't all singing from the same hymm sheet which means I am often questioned on decisions I've talked about with my manager or have been given the impression was fine.

The person I took over from was trying their best at the role but didn't handover so the above and this has left me drowning (along with workload and with the fact I think the department structure needs to change to accommodate for some current issues at work). Unfortunately customers have been waiting too long for responses where more important, urgent things come up and staff are whispering about how they feel I am incompetent (they also moaned about my predecessor to me but I really think it's a workload issue). I am starting to believe it, I'm frazzled. I have been honest and raised this with my manger and we've talked about how to resolve this but I honestly think it's too late.

I have a child under a year and a half at home and a few days ago a colleague questioned me about how I could leave her at daycare and didn't it break my heart? I was honest and said it did but it has broken me on top of everything else.

Although I can't be unemployed as the main earner (DH works but his career is long hours, not well paid although has a long-term goal), I only bring home a profit of £400 after childcare costs (I trust them and although there are cheaper places I don't want to unsettle her again) and the rest is my husband's wages which doesn't go far.

I've been in the field (although not this line of work) coming up to 10 years and need a change. What could I get into that fits around my family?

Well that all depends on what your skillset and interests are. The best jobs that fit around child care are child related ones- teaching nursery work etc

As the main earner it'd need to be relatively well paid. I've always worked in an office, I've been looking at managerial roles just need an industry that's flexible.

I am just feeling so crushed, I really enjoyed the scope of my role but it's unbearable all of this when I am reminded I've left my baby on top of it all.

What a twat to say that to you. It’s shit that we have to parent like we don’t have a job and devote ourselves to our career like we aren’t mothers.

I would work backwards. Look at jobs you would love and work on getting the skills to get them?

Speak to line managers and confirm discussions in email. Stand up for yourself with these muttering wazarks at work. You poor thing, they’re making a tough life 10 times harder than it needs to be x

Try your local police HQ. I don’t have natural management skills, but they really nurture those who do and who want to progress. Tell your colleague to shut up about your child care arrangements too x

My manager has reassured me they think I'm doing fine so I'm clinging on to that whilst second guessing everything. I'm wondering if it's becoming a self fulfilling prophecy now though as I know in the last two weeks I am dropping balls.

I've always done office work and my goal is managerial but it would need to be something flexible. I think working back is a good idea Hop

@Feefeetrixabelle teaching really isn’t a family friendly career, except during the holidays when you can try to make up for the 55+ hour weeks.

OP I would hold fire but keep a look out at job ads to see what opportunities are available. Maybe there’s something in a different industry where your skills would be transferable? Or could you look at home working possibilities? Hope it all works out anyway.

Depends on the school, the role and the hours contracted @birdysomething

Although from what the op says maybe looking for admin/office manager positions within education would be better.