Career is accelerating.. but I feel anxious

[loulou0402]

Hi

Since returning from maternity in 2022 my career has sky rocketed. I work for a purpose driven values based FTSE 25 and am so lucky to have had incredible experiences and sponsorship from a number of senior executives

A promotional opportunity is coming up which on paper is my dream job and an amazing increase in pay and package which would be life changing for my family

However it is super senior, so much accountability, a huge team. And when I think about it I feel excited but also anxious - really? Little old me? Aren't I out of my depth? What if in a year I am out of my depth?

I don't want to 'bench' myself but equally I don't want to be half in...

My son starts school in Sept 2025 and I already feel I hardly see him some weeks due to work, or when I'm with him doing bath and bed I'm thinking about work. But maybe that's the reality for every working mum - hard to switch the hats seamlessly every day

Advice needed!

If you have a partner (it’s fine if you don’t) then what do they think of you getting this promotion? Can they step up more with childcare? I think you will feel guilty without more support at home from the sound of it.

I think thinking about work most of the time when you’re in such a high position is normal. That’s why you get paid so much!

Imposter syndrome?

What does "purpose driven, value based" actually mean? It sounds like consultant speak to me.

But, given it seems to roll off your tongue, go for it, yes "little old"you.

Yes I do, he also has a big job - at the moment we both pull our weight and share the load. Equal career partnership id say

I don't think the new role would mean longer hours or more time away from home - just probably more pressure (that I'd put on myself rather than the organisation)

Of course you could do it. Everyone has a learning curve when they're promoted, why do you think you're any different? Go for it.

I guess I'm trying to portray that the company I work for has good values and is a great place to work which supports its employees

Get yourself a great career coach that works specifically with female leaders. They'll help you tackle those doubts and put a plan in place that allows you succeed in the role without sacrificing your personal life. Happy to give a recommendation via DM if you're interested

@Fivews yes please

Men wouldn't worry about these things. Go for it. You can always step down but another opportunity to step up might never appear again.

Do it! Yes, you!

Would it come with more flexibility? That was the best part about my promotion.

If it's a life changing salary then surely you could afford to step down or away from it in a year or three if it wasn't making you happy. That's partly why super senior roles pay so much.

You sound like a fantastic hire, you take your job so seriously and speak so highly of the company. No wonder they love you. You and your DP sound like really hands on parents too; I’m glad he’s supportive.

As others have said, it sounds like imposter syndrome. That can be very stressful. If you’re not against talking therapy then could you have a little block (4-6 weeks once a week) of sessions? I think you sound like you're actually smashing your life but you can’t believe it. Maybe a little therapy could straighten out your thinking and make you less anxious?

The doubts are just imposter syndrome a good work coach will help with those

The Working Mum thing - well you have to make a choice women can have it all but not all at once.
I decided not to have a job like that and to work around DD so I was at home with her alot but my career and income paid the price and 15 years on I'm only on £33k now when I could probably be on alot more.
With the new job can you and your husband outsource somethings so that the time at home is proper quality time? Is it that kind of pay bump?
Get a cleaner / housekeeper that does cleaning and some mass etc and a nanny so DS has stability and can rest at home rather than after-school clubs until 7pm or whatever time you/ husband clock off?

go for it ! In prep tho I would

get a cleaner twice a week
get a meal box thing
start having a weekly catch up with your DH where you both plan the week.
shared calender obvs
make outlines for next year’s holidays
make sure that the school has DH’s contact details first.
tell everyone that Christmas 2025 time you will be cutting back on meetings and no travel in order to focus on family Christmas
have a massive declutter. Give to the charity shop

agree about the work coach - or therapist where you can process family and work situations in a safe environment

good luck !

Of course you can do it! Go for it. Organise accordingly, use the coaching and mentoring and support available to you, lean on your support network, bank and invest the money, experience and opportunity. You’ll be working for decades yet and IF this role turns out not to be right for now (unlikely given you write glowingly of the organisation and the support you have had there), just remember you won’t always have young children, but will be able to draw on this experience for future opportunities.

Then, when you’ve smashed it, remember all the things you’ve learned, what and who helped you along the way and do everything you can to support other talented individuals on their career journeys.

Expect the learning curve, organise your domestic partnership accordingly, prioritise your partner and immediate family, get paid help where you can outsource, block out some regular time for just you as well as with your partner/family, embrace the challenge, let go of unrealistic expectations and/or unhelpful perfectionist tendencies and just give yourself permission to enjoy it and see what happens. Whatever the ultimate outcome, you’ll discover more about yourself and grow personally and professionally.

Good luck!

Do it! I got a board position in a large, well known business in my early 30s. I was the first in my family to go to uni and I spent the first three months in the job wondering when they were going to realise they’d made a mistake…..and then it dawned on me that I knew as much as, if not more than, most of the people round the table. It was the making of me and my career has gone from strength to strength since then.
You will need support at home (outsource as much as you can) but you can absolutely do this. And honestly? If you don’t try, you will never know.

I went for it and don’t regret it! We got a part time nanny which helps and I can control my own schedule to an extent so I can make the class assembly etc.

@Fivews I would like details of the careers coach too if you don’t mind sharing.
@loulou0402 I wish you well and you can absolutely do it. If you once the new role, you feel it is not right for you - you have the right to change your mind. Routing for you!

Thank you so much everyone.

Here you go genwomen.global/

Just to update everyone - I decided to take it!!

Congratulations! Sounds like an incredible opportunity and well deserved

@loulou0402 congratulations!

Say yes, go for it.
you can work out ‘the how’ later. These things always work out. Congratulations

Good luck.

I would ditch the corporate lingo though.

. I work for a purpose driven values based ....

Is utter nonsense.

Commit now to speaking and writing properly.