Aibu to be self conscious about going back to work?

[DavidNowie]

I’ve worked at home since March and during that time I’ve lost 4 stones had my stained teeth whitened started wearing make up and generally look pretty different!

I’d been suffering with depression for about 6 years, been in my job 4 years of that and have really not paid attention to my appearance during that time, people would probably describe me as scruffy or dowdy. In March I decided to prioritise some time for me and have enjoyed the process of getting fitter and wearing make up and buying flattering fashionable clothes. Now I’m feeling really self conscious to go back to work, to the point I’m considering no make up hair In a messy bun and old clothes because I feel really anxious about any attention on my appearance, even though I know it would be positive. I know some people have noticed a bit on teams calls but I sit in front of a massive window so because I’m backlit my face is in shadow or I just have my camera off , so no one has properly seen the changes. I know this is a total overreaction and I actually don’t think I will be back until halfway through the year but am getting anxious about it already! Am I being totally unreasonable maybe people will forget what I looked like before?

Well done you!

Most people {Me!} have put on weight in Covid. Good for you...Be proud!

Please don’t down play the improvements that you’ve made to yourself. Go in with your head held high and be proud of what you’ve achieved

^ this.
It’s so lovely you have prioritised yourself & become fitter & happier. I think it’s a good idea to become fully visible on the zoom meetings then, by the time you go back for real, your new look will be old news. I can’t imagine anyone commenting over zoom but a “you look really good / well DN” is the most I would expect tbh.

Oh geeze! 🤦‍♀️

“I look better now, should I wear sack clothes to return to work?”

No, just own your new look! No bloody point in having your teeth whitened and losing weight if you’re ashamed.

Don't be self conscious be proud!

Be proud of yourself. You will find out who the really good work colleagues are as well.

Well done OP. Maybe subconsciously you're worried about people NOT noticing... which I'm sure isn't gonna happen! Turn up and rock your new look.

Well done for losing the weight and taking care of yourself! I agree with PP posters about being more visible on team VCs, then if people look surprised or double take, at least its not face to face. People will soon accept your new fabulous exterior as simply you and the comments won't last that long.

As lovely as it is to receive compliments, I don't think people understand how soul crushingly embarrassing it can be to be the centre of attention if you're not designed to enjoy it. The great thing is, it shows you made those changes for you and not for anyone else.

Thankyou everyone, you are of course much wiser than me! Most of you have but the nail on the head, I don’t like being the centre of attention, yes I think maybe a gradual being more visible on calls might be a good idea, plus I may have “grown into” it a bit more and feel more comfortable and less self conscious, I was pretty invisible before so gradually getting used to being “seen” in public. About a month ago I bumped into an old friend I hadn’t seen for about 8 years and she was with someone I have only known for a couple of years (parent of daughters friend) and my old friend didn’t bat an eyelid at my appearance because that’s how I’ve always looked to her, person I’ve only known for a couple of years was literally open mouthed saying “I can’t believe it’s you” over and over, I felt SO awkward and I guess I just don’t want that to happen again! Thank you all for not thinking this is some sort of humble brag!