6 months back at work post mat-leave and overwhelmed

[MakeTeaNotWar]

Just wondering if anyone else feels like this - I returned to work 4 days a week after my second stint of a year's mat leave in October and 6 months on, hoped I would be more up to speed by now. Instead, I am still constantly asking questions. It's a busy, high - pressure job and it doesn't help that new systems and technologies have been introduced while I was in leave that I am still struggling to get my head round. I seem to have lost confidence in my abilities..,is this normal 6 months in? I have had a chat with my line manager but don't wish to appear overly whiny, it seems the successful people in my team are those who "style it out".

I've lost my confidence too - I went back October 2012 but still feel 'slow' - like my brain's just not fully functioning. I can't blame it on breastfeeding or sleep deprivation anymore!
Not something I feel I can admit to at work though.

You are almost certainly doing better than you think you are.

First thing: if you're doing 80% of full time! neither you or your employer should expect more than 80% of output. It can be easy for managers to forget to scale their expectations, and very hard for you to judge how much you're getting through. Like thedoctrine says, you're almost certainly doing better than you think.

Second, you probably don't realise the teething problems that your colleagues have had with the new systems in your absence. We've had a succession of new systems come through over the last couple of years, and the isn't a single person in the organisation who doesn't have days where they're ready to put their computer out the window. The difference in your case, is you've missed out on the bulk of the mutual support, and the trouble-shooting. Has there been any training gone on with the new systems? I think a lot of returners avoid asking for professional development because they feel like they're taking the piss. The thing is, you're a prime candidate for it: it'll give you the skills and confidence you need to hit the ground running, and it's a sound investment for your employer in the long term.

Thanks Sandthorn - a lot of what you say is true, it's rally helpful,to frame it like that in my head

I would agree you are probably doing better than you think you are.

Could you keep a private list of things that have worked/ you did well. It is easy to focus on the things that haven't gone well.

Can you do any online learning for the new technologies? At home if you don't want to be seen catching up.

I am 2 months back and feel like you. I think there have been questions over the concept of 'baby brain' but I know I am not as sharp as I once was.

Is there anyone who could mentor you or somebody you could form a 'post mat leave support' system with?