No Confidence after returning to work from maternity leave

[ImADingleDangleScarecrow]

Hi All

As the title says really - I returned to work a few weeks ago f/t after having 12 months maternity leave with my first DC. Quite a challenging, busy, pressurised working environment that used to involve long hours. I was involved in high level projects etc and felt like I was on the ball.

I now feel like I haven't a clue what I'm doing, like I've regressed 15yrs in my career and feel like I'm looked down upon because I need to leave at roughly 5pm to collect DC and face the traffic nightmare. My mind feels like it's unfocused and like I'm forgetting things as soon as I'm told them.

Evening are a mad manic rush and I feel like I'm spending no quality time with an overtired SC of an evening.

I feel like a shit parent and a shit employee.

Please tell me that this is normal and it gets better?!

(Am off work today on annual leave so I'm not spending my time in work on MN)

So normal. And it does get better!

Your family time will get easier as you all get comfortable and in a routine, and your little one is more settled and less tired. It can take months for that to happen and feel comfortable, but it will happen.

And you'll find your feet at work quickly enough. Just focus on whats gone well each day, each week. I find I'm much more productive as a working mum because I have less time so I prioritise things better and have become more efficient. I'm less social at work, but I'd rather be that and maintain my professional reputation.

And my saviour is my notebook of to do lists. Everything gets written down.

Hang in there, it will get easier.

It does get easier but for a while you feel like screaming at your colleagues "do you realise I feel like I have already done a days work just to get here on time!!".
Try to relax a bit and not give a shit if you are a bit worse at your job (I'm sure you're not). Be pleasant to work with, and do your best. Get your money and go home to your son!
Cut your standards at home, get a cleaner and eat ready meals for a while. Before you know it this will be the new normal and things will slot into place.

I agree, it's normal to feel this way and it does get better.

To be honest I don't feel the same way about my career since having children. I feel my focus has changed and I don't have the flexibility to work late and travel like I used to. I still like working, it's just not the most important thinks in ly life any more.

Thanks all. Think I just need to try and put less pressure on myself to be how I was before. I wasn't expecting it too be so difficult to pick things up - naively thought it was just take a few days to get back up to speed with things again in work. I feel like a trainee again rather than a senior member of staff and feel a bit useless at home and work which is making my anxiety levels rise and confidence decrease. Will try to be more patient and hope in a few months time things balance out a bit!