I recently returned from mat leave into leadership role.
Plan was always for me to come back to my previous role and all senior leadership aligned on this. In practice, I’ve found it a bit tricky reclaiming some of my previous responsibilities from the person who was covering my role. I wasn’t worried as I knew the role “above” me was due to become available and I planned (and was encouraged) to apply. I did apply and didn’t get it. Someone from outside the department got it and I now report into them. So I’m now piecing back together my previous role, albeit this will take time and I don’t really have enough atm to keep busy.
I think my confidence has been knocked by coming back from mat leave generally, struggling to reclaim my responsibilities and then not getting this role. I used to love my job but I’m dreading going back in January.
I’ve thought about whether now is the right time to find another job, but the flexibility I have in my current role is helpful now I have a child.
I think the “right” answer is to accept I didn’t get the new role, get on with my previous job and do what I can to support my new boss. But that isn’t easy and my motivation is now a bit lacking!
WWYD in my position?
Interested to hear from anyone else who has been in this position and in particular anyone returning from mat leave to a leadership role.