First job in eight years. Heellllpppp!

[StarsAndTypes]

After, erm, eight years out of the workforce (gave up after DS2), I have somehow managed to get a job. Great! Now, in that eight years, I have competed a degree, and have done really well, but I still suffer from huge lack of confidence.

My new job is at a Uni, and I will be working on projects for academics, with more qualifications after their names than I have O levels. I am cacking it! On paper I seem bright and capable, but the prospect of doing a proper job in a totally new field after not working for so long is terrifying me. I am worried I will just appear too naive and inexperienced and people will think I am punching above my weight.

I will be working on things and in ways i haven't done before, and while I talked a good interview, I may have overstated my abilities, in a lot of areas! Aargh. I blame DH for that - he says you have to get a foot in the door and then learn as you go. i am not sure if that'll work in an academic environment? It doesn't feel like it is working for me atm!

Soothing words please. I have been fretting since I was told I have the job, and now it is almost here...

I think its pretty normal to feel nervous after so long out of the workforce. I have been at home with my daughter for only 18 months and already am loosing my professional confidence. You will be fine and learn quickly I am sure. Congratulations on the new job!! Don't fret - enjoy!

It's pretty normal to be nervous starting a new job after 8 years, but also any new job any time. Rest assured that the academics you are to afraid of are pretty normal people in my experience, though you might get the odd ivory-tower type, depending on where you work, but they're quire rare these days. The letters really should not intimidate you - for info I am BA MSc PhD but I usually go as normal plain 'Mrs'... I do work in a fairly skilled job in a university and earn just below the national average wage (or would, if I was full-time).

Starting now is definitely nothing to be afraid of, do your best and expect to learn loads (this goes for any new job), and don't expect everything to go right the first time either. I'm sure you'll have fun! Enjoy your new challenge.

Thanks to both of you. I guess I do feel that the people I will be working with are amazing, driven, and mega-clever, and while they may be nice, they may well be thinking 'numpty' when I say something stoopid. I hate feeling stoopid lol!

I also hate to get things wrong, so am putting pressure on myself to get it right, first-time - surely that is what you should do in a 'proper' job?

Eek! I sort of don't want Monday to come, and yet at the same time, i want my first day over so I know what I have realy got myself in for!

Anja- it is reassuring that most academic types are 'pretty normal'. I suppose I have always been in a bit of awe of that, which doing a degree as a mature student still hasn't cured.

Golden - I am sure that everyone feels nervous after such a big gap between jobs, but the stress is really getting to me at the moment. It is such a big step after being a SAHM and I just don't feel I am good enough .

I am fortunate that both boys are now at school, and my mum is going to do the pick up/drop offs that I can't, so that is one huge less worry. But still I'm fretting like nobody's business. Help!

Stars -you are totally good enough! They would not have hired you for the job if they didnt think you were an excellent candidate, who would be capable of filling the role. Seriously!!

As you say, you just need to get the first day under your belt and I'd bet you'll be just fine. I work in HE and love it. Academics are (generalising here) protective of their areas of specialism but often in awe of the admin skills of those that provide support.

I would strongly suggest reading as much as you can that is current to the area just so you know what's going on - if general HE, I find I glean a lot from Twitter believe it or not. There's a lot of interesting info broadcast that way, and loads of people debating news and changes there.

Good luck and enjoy it!

Firstly, congratulations!

My view is that there is no way you can expect, or be expected, to know everything on your first day. Surely the key thing is to be interested and willing to learn.
What I'd do is get a big notebook and make notes in it of things to remember/learn as you go along. Ask for help and advice, be friendly and remember that everyone was new once.

Good luck!

Thank you all so much. I came back on to read your comments to bolster me up before tomorrow. I am still v scared, but trying to repeat some of your wise words to myself.
My problems is that I think they think I CAN do/know everything I need to know in my first day. I should just cut myself some slack I suppose.
Counting the hours now...
Thank you again

Best of luck - I just started a job in HE - people will NOT expect you to be fully up to speed the first day just that you will have the capabilty to do in a reasonable time - and it can be a great place for career development