Back to work and told to get a mentor

[Dee123yut]

I had 5 months mat leave, came back to work and everything changed. New members of team joined and my mat cover stayed. There was opportunity to become a team leader for different departments as the company has broken down into departments. I applied for team leader for the department I always worked for since I started. My mat cover that stayed got the team leader role for my department. I got really upset and I told my manager how upset I was but unfortunately the reason I didn't get the role is because my mat cover spoke about everything a team leader does and I missed the point about 'people'. Because of how upset I got my manager told me to consider to get a mentor and decide which department I want to work in and he suggested for me to change my career path. I really need help to understand why my manager told me to get mentor only cuz I showed my emotions for a role that I really wanted? I understand having mentor is good but I am trying to understand what did they see in me for him to say I need a mentor? Help understand?

A mentor is a great idea, it's not an insult at all. I recommend all my team consider having a mentor.

I'd be more concerned about him basically telling you to shove off and work somewhere else!

A mentor can assess your skills on return to work and highlight areas that need bringing up to date.. Things will have changed, especially this last year.

Getting emotional in a professional environment will never show you in your best light. Don't let them think having a baby has made you too 'emotional' to do your job effectively. Decide which of the remaining departments would suit you best, take a deep breath and apply calmly.

I have mentored people in a couple of jobs. I remember coming back after maternity 27 years ago and thinking “ wow, things have changed “ in such a short space of time. I was pleased that someone could steer me through new legislation and practices. I now do the same for others returning to work after maternity leave or sickness.
It’s a good thing. I’m a reminder that although things have changed, they are more than capable of doing the job, just need a refresher course to get them back on track.

Thank you all for these messages. I guess it was more of shock. Being unsure about what is going on.