Feel replaced at work after maternity leave

[Polifree]

I'm really struggling with this although on paper no discrimination has taken place and all above board.

Before mat leave it was basically just me in a department. On top of standard day job I oversaw things and liaised with other departments to make things happen etc.

I went on mat leave last year and a new person came in to take over my role although the position was permanent and the idea was we'd work together on my return.

This person took department by storm and has done a good job. They've now been promoted to head of department and taken over most of the old overseeing responsibilities I held while I now only do standard day job and not much else. (I also applied for head of department role but had only just got back to work so wasnt in best shape)

I understand this is business and this person did a good job and deserves the role. But I feel like I've been replaced and cast aside. Confidence has never been so low.

I cry most days and dread work. I used to love being in the office but now I just don't feel part of things like I used to. My partner suggests changing jobs but I don't really feel like making a big move like that just yet.

I don't know what to do. Has anyone been in a similar situation?

Hi, similar - my mat leave cover stayed on and they split my old job into two. I always felt like we were competing. It also didn't help when I returned if the boss said - can you do x. My cover would be jumping in his seat to say I will do it etc.

I also had a perception that he is better than me. - and in some areas he is. In some other areas I am.

In my case I think what has helped is that people have always respected my experience and I got promoted ahead of him.

But it did knock me sideways for a while. As above I have focused on the things that I do well.

Can you talk to your manager about activities that you used to do that you can go back to?

Or give it a year to get back on your feet after mat leave and start looking for a new role. Return to work and coping with juggling everything is brutal.

Is it a man or woman that took your role?

I’d look elsewhere. There isn’t going to be much room
to move upwards if your manager has only just been promoted to the role.

Sometimes change is what you need.

Opposite way round for me, I was the mat leave cover asked to stay on. She made my life miserable and referred to me as 'the golden child' all the time.