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Original poster

Back to work on Monday after 3.5 years at home- terrified!

15 replies

Mozzer123 · 11/02/2011 09:49

Hello, I'm going back to work on Monday after 3.5 years as a stay at home mum. I've been very very lucky and have got a part-time job 3 days a week not too far from home. I am lurching between excitement and sheer terror at going back to work. One of my main fears is that I will have lost my mojo and not be able to cut it, end up getting fired etc.... ( I work in a quite salesy environment) I am worried I might have lost that 'hungry' edge that allows you to succeed in winning new business. Also I am worried that I am somehow going to look out of place. I have done a Mcshop and purchased 'office' clothes, but fear that I will not look the part and will feel like I am 'dressing up'. Does confidence return at some point? Does anyone have some good stories to share with me? I'm less worried about how the children with manage funnily enough, as I think they can be more adaptable than us.

OP posts:
racmac · 11/02/2011 11:20

Have no idea - but Im in exactly the same situation - i return on Monday after 4 years out and Im scared.

Well tbh i go from being really excited to being back in the work place to really scared that Im kidding myself that I can still do my job.

I was also extremely fortunate to get a part time role locally - which is great but OMG what if Ive forgotten everything!

Same with me that children are fine - it wont effect them too much - only in holiday times

Original poster
Mozzer123 · 11/02/2011 12:18

Thanks racmac, nice to know someone else in the same boat... I'm trying to do some confidence boosting things ( just had my haircut thank god!) Really hope it will go well for you. x

OP posts:
PollyLogos · 11/02/2011 12:29

Congratulations to you both!! No helpful advice as its years since I went back but I'm sure you will all adapt soon enough and in the long run I'm positive you'll be happy you went back!

Mirrorball · 12/02/2011 12:40

I feel the same - have looked at suits online, but seriously I spend my life in leggings and comfy boots, tunics etc... time for a massive change.

I'm going back 24 hours a week over 4 days and am trying to sort out childcare - proving a nightmare.

So between having no confidence, snapping at husband because I'm petrified, I have been job hunting for an age and now don't know if I even want a job!!! Oh crappity crap.

Worried I wont cut it and that I will also look out of place! And how to get organised in the mornings!? showered, hair and make up, smart clothes plus kids and dog and breakfast....

GOOD LUCK, we will be FINE!!!!!

ben5 · 12/02/2011 12:49

you will be fine! this was me last week but i had been out for 7 years.you will learn that you can talk to adults, go the toliet by yourself and have a hot cup of coffee. good luck and ps remember to answer to yur name and not mummy!

Mirrorball · 12/02/2011 12:52

Crikey, how do you change that mindset ben? I am not ME anymore, just MUMMY!!!

LibraPoppyGirl · 12/02/2011 12:52

Don't be, you're going to really enjoy being back at work and well done on getting the job Smile

I felt like this when I went back to work when my now 13yo was 3yo.

It's a bit like riding a bike, you never forget how to do and how to interact and you will soon be blazing a trail.

Good luck and keep us posted on how it's going please. Smile

mummyandbaby · 13/02/2011 11:06

In a similar position - I am going back to work in a week full time eek!! Have been a SAHM for 7 years and am looking forward to it and scared stiff at the same time. Good luck to Mozzer and Racmac this week - will be looking out for your updates.

Original poster
Mozzer123 · 13/02/2011 11:34

Thanks everyone, will keep you updated. I am feeling rather sick with fear today! It's so silly- I have to keep reminding myself that I am a grown woman. Good luck to everyone! :)

OP posts:
racmac · 13/02/2011 17:04

I have got my lunch ready, I have tried my clothes on, have polished my shoes and I am officially worried sick!!
Good luck Mozzer Grin

pud1 · 13/02/2011 17:10

good luck all of you. i am a SAHM with 2 dd's. youngest is 18 months so wont be going back untill she starts school. i am worried that i will be unemployable as my brain will have turned to jelly. you all must have excelled in the interviews or you would not be going back to work.

redrollers · 13/02/2011 17:10

I did this 3 months ago. 3.5 years too.
I know exactly how you feel, but it doesn't take long before you know the ropes.
It was stupid stuff for me, like the canteen and where the toilets were!!
I dress differently than I did before, probably a bit older, but more comfortable.And I do feel older with different priorities. But it will be fine.
Just breeze in and act confident, it will come back, you'll be surprised!

good luck to you all
x

Original poster
Mozzer123 · 13/02/2011 18:29

Me too racmac- lunch is packed but haven't polished my shoes.... off to do that now! Let me know how it goes racmac, I'm sure you will do great! Lots of luck to you :-) I will post in with experience tomorrow when I get home from ( gulp) work.

Thank you redrollers- the toilets is a biggy for me too, especially as I have a bladder the size of a walnut. :-(
Pud1 - your brain will not turn to jelly I'm sure....

OP posts:
Original poster
Mozzer123 · 14/02/2011 20:14

Well I survived...:-) How did it go racmac? Wine time! x

OP posts:
racmac · 15/02/2011 07:57

Hi Mozzer - glad you got on ok
Me too - kicked off a bit at Court - but remember why I love my job Grin

I only have 3 days this week then 5 days thereafter.

The kids were fine so all happy - yeah!

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