Help me return to work - eek

[WorkingMummy2022]

Not an AIBU but hoping for all the tips I can get. It’s suddenly hit me that this is going to be a big deal.

I’m due back at work next month after almost three years out with DC. Same organisation, similar role, work is high pressured and takes up a lot of headspace. Lots of change has happened at work, so doesn’t feel like the same place. Not least, Covid. I’ve missed the whole WFH thing, though have read up on ‘hybrid working’ and obviously doing things via video hasn’t entirely passed me by. How do people bond with colleagues when it’s only a day or two in the office tops? Any tips on remaining visible when mostly WFH?

What about clothes? It’s a smart casual environment but no denim or trainers in case of external people. I gather things have gone more casual and shoes are now flats - where do you lovely people shop for casual but professional work stuff?

Home stuff - we seem to be well set up for chores, with DH doing his fair share. I’ve bought next size up clothes, some new meals in the freezer, have childcare options in case of child illness.

Me - how do I not get overwhelmed? I’ve always been one to throw myself in completely, whether that’s work or home. I guess I need to learn some boundaries at work, without looking flaky. It’s finding that balance that I think might be trickiest.

All thoughts appreciated.

After 1 year on ML I phased myself back in using accumulated annual leave. I went in on a Friday on the first week to make sure that all the IT was up an running. I increased by 1 day a week until I was back working 5 days.

You to be ruthless about sharing home tasks as well if you are going back full time, what may feel fair now might not when you are working. You can't be the go to parent for everything and still work full time without burning out, its the admin side of things that is the killer. I have a big planner on the wall with all school holidays and other key dates on it (my DC are now 14 & 18) and I still use it - don't become the family memory bank.

Keep a stock of craft materials in the house, save bits of ribbon, always have glue, coloured card, loo rolls etc in a box somewhere so when they come home and ask to build a scale model of the Taj Mahal for tomorrow you stand a vague chance of producing something.

Dress reasonably smartly for your first day in the office but wear flats if you want (you can always take heels) then you can adjust when you see what everyone else is doing. Its generally less awkward to be slightly too formal than not formal enough.

Book some virtual coffees / catch ups with people you get on well with so you can catch over Zoom or Teams and find out what has been happening. Make sure if you go into the office that you chat to people who are generally helpful and friendly. However, don't rush to let everyone know you are back on the first day or you might find people trying to move the contents of their desk on to yours. Agree a clean plan with your manager on what you are to be doing so people can't just dump stuff on you.

Don't worry - you will slot back and remember that hybrid and WFH working patterns have been weird for many of us.

clear plan