I'm on mat leave but have job interview in a few weeks- I am seriously dreading it and feel sick at the thought! Is this normal? Help!

[ilikeyoursleeves]

I am currently on mat leave with DS2, after only being back at work for 8 months following mat leave with DS1. I heard about a job (promoted post) not long after I had DS2 and it looked like a great opportunity plus because a few people had told me about it I felt that I had to apply or it would look bad (no ambition etc).

I just found out that I have an interview for this job and it will involve a hellish interview plus a presentation. Frankly, I am terrified and I just feel so pathetic for feeling like this! I was / am a 'career woman' and trained for 9 years in my profession (2 degrees) and have been qualified for about another 9 years but TBH I feel like all my knowledge has just disappeared and I am so lacking in confidence re work it's untrue. When I went back after having DS1 I felt like I just didn't put my heart into work because I was PG and knew I'd be off again soon, so I feel I have a huge gap in my career.

Plus I know another candidate going for the job and she is amazing and currently works for the department that is interviewing ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH so I feel what's the point in putting in all the work for the interview because I really don't think I have a hope in hell.

I just want to curl up with my boys and DH and shut out the working world, I am too used to mat leave! But i need to go back to work, stopping is not an option at all. If I don't get the job I'll prob feel just as crap cos I don't really like where I am just now either.

ARGHHHHHH. Is it just me or do others ever feel like this? Any tips on how to feel better about it all?

I was due to return to my managerial position last week after my mat leave with dd2. I have been with my company for 9 years and worked my arse to get my job and now I have just walked away to work in the local Spar one or 2 eves a week.
I cannot possibly imagine going back into it all over again after number 2.
I am incredibly surprised at myself but I know I am doing the right thing (for me), I cannot imagine leaving my boys full time now until they are at school.
Think really long and hard and dont rush the decision, it took me nearly 10 months before I thought I can't go back to that for now.
Try for the interview and if it doesn't work out then at least you tried, good luck.
Prob no help at all...
: )

I dreaded going back full time, as muich as Idreaded the thought of staying at home. I went for a few interviews while on maternity leave, in the end landed a better job, which includes more travel and longer commute, but in the end it gives me so much fulfilment that I don't regret it. It helps that my daughter really loves the nursery though.

I'd go for it if I were you, if you find out after all that it isn't for you you've nothing lost. But by not even trying, you might end up regretting/resenting it and wonder forever what might have been.