To feel discontented…

[Whatames]

Feeling really weird in life at the moment. Moved house last year to a doer upper which is currently cold, bleak and wet whilst the builders take forever to do everything. Not 100% on the house—was very much persuaded by other half. I feel like I don’t like the bones of it even when it is renovated and we’ve moved about 50 minutes drive from old house so feel a bit disconnected. Currently heavily pregnant with a surprise baby—wanted but feels very stressful with the house and 2 promotions at work have come up that I have literally been waiting years for but I will be off on maternity so can’t apply. I’ll end up being managed by someone who I’ve trained up and who ask my advice on everything. I feel a bit sad that baby isn’t being born into a joyful time but rather a stressful time. AIBU to feel a bit disillusioned with life and what can I do to try and feel more positive?

It all sounds understandable given the amount t you have going on. I'm sure once the renovations are done it will start to feel like a home.

One thing - why can't you apply for the promotion just because you will be on maternity. If it's a job you want - go for it.

In days of old, when knights were bold, before toilets were invented
You'd dig a hole in the middle of the road and sit there quite contented

Apply for the job - being on maternity "shouldn't" stop you, and if your company /bosses say that it will, then I would probably look at moving/working elsewhere as that would be clear discrimination - but I'm also fully aware it still goes on.
Although you've got the house and everything going on, maybe look forward to doing things on your mat leave with baby like going to groups to make new friends/meet new people close by x

You are all right that I think when the baby is here and I am fully immersed In that world it might be easier. I work in education and I’m not sure that I can be promoted whilst on maternity. E.g If they need a Head of Department for Easter then they need someone to actually teach classes then as well as the management side and I wouldn’t be back off maternity til Christmas.

I may be wrong, but if you apply and are the highest scoring candidate they would have to offer you the role and arrange maternity cover for your absence. Unless you mean it's a temporary acting up position that would be over by your return?

You still can - and if you are the successful applicant, one of the other candidates could be employed on a temporary basis as your maternity cover.
Thats how it should work. Win win really - maternity cover sorted, the other applicant gets experience, and you walk into your new role when you get back from maternity.
Please don't discount yourself. Seek advice from ACAS or your union if you're in one. They can probably give you the ins and outs better than me, but the above is just in a nutshell and the law is on your side to help.

Absolutely apply - maternity leave is still counted as being at work, so there’s no reason on earth that you shouldn’t try.
Good luck And congratulations !!