Going back to work on Monday after mat leave, so worried

[Foodieforlife]

Everything will be so different. I’ve been off now for way over a year as took annual leave both before my mat leave started and after my mat leave ended. The office is different as it’s been refurbished now, I have a new desk and not the same one (rip being the closet person to the door to the little outside terrace, I used to work out there on sunny days on the laptop). There’s a new member of the team who I don’t know very well, she replaced my best friend who left while I was on mat leave. AIBU to be worried about going back? Some things are the same but there’s lots of differences now

Don't panic. Give yourself a few months to adjust back in. It's like starting a new job but you have a headstart.

I’m not panicking yet but can imagine myself panicking tomorrow. I might try and see if I can get my old desk back next to the door to the terrace, I’m going to really miss that if not

It will.be different... but not necessarily worse. Being worried about it is natural. But in two week's time you will be starting to embrace your "new normal"

Of course YANBU but try not to dwell on your worries. Just take it as it comes, get to work, see what's what and take a bit of time to settle back in. I've just gone back to work after 4 years as a SAHM and it's surprising how quickly you get your confidence back and that feeling of...oh yeah I know how to do this. Be nice to the new person and think of them as a potential new friend. Good luck OP, I'm sure it'll be just fine xx

Of course I will be nice to them, I’m kind to everyone, we’ve spoken twice already, but I will miss my best friend lots and lots

I was off for 18 months and felt exactly the same as you. Honestly, within about 3 hours it was like I'd never been away (quite literally in the case of one piece of work - my boss sent the 'latest' version of something to me and it was one I'd drafted pre-maternity leave)

I’ve been off for 18 months too, I think this is why I’m nervous because it’s been so so long.

Oh OP, I went back two weeks ago and felt the same - I had to go back into a new team and role as well as my old role wasn't really suitable for someone part time and I didn't want to be on call (could probably have fought this but wasn't particularly bothered).

Anyway, I LOVE being back. Honestly, I feel like a person again having 4 days a week without a little person following me everywhere. Not being with dd all the time also makes my time with her so much more special as well 💕. You'll be fine, it'll be fine. Enjoy the hot coffee.

This is reassuring to hear you was fine, glad you was fine. I feel physically sick with worry about going back. I’m going back into the same role, don’t think I could cope going back into a different team or role.

Will it be worth asking if I can have my old desk back? Or should I not ask?

It’s just a job. Don’t waste any mental energy on a company that would you replace in a heartbeat. Just see it for what it is.

Most of us work to pay the bills, not for the social life. So what if there’s a new person you don’t know well? Just get on with the job.

Just made a new thread to ask if I would be unreasonable about the desk in particular

I will just get on with it. I’m just worried about going back

It's worth asking, though are you sure the new desk isn't even better (closer to the kitchen/loos/canteen/ building exit)

Hahaha, I could totally see this happening where I work 😆😆

I might ask and if they say no then I’ll just move on from it. The new desk is definitely worse

Good luck tomorrow @Foodieforlife