Help! Back in work and in a panic

[shandybass]

I've gone back to work on my second week, part time and I'm really unhappy.

I went for a promotion just after starting my ML and got it and boy am I now regretting it. I think I've bitten off a bit too much.

I used to really love my job. It was stressful but I'm now in a right panic with the new managerial role. Its not so different from my old post but a little more responsibility. I really think I've done the wrong thing and wish I could go back.

Is this possible? I have agreed to my new contract, but they have yet to advertise my old job.

I could try and challenge the work they have given me is too hard, but that seems a bit woossie, especially as its a job share and I know they have been managing with a half post and are also stretched.

I am not afraid of work, but I feel torn that if I don't act now I am just doomed to be depressed and stressed for little gain.

It's only your second week and it's part-time. Give yourself some more time to get back in your stride and work things out.

Is it possible to have an informal chat with your line manager - explain how you are feeling - they might be able to think of ways to make it easier for you. It seems a shame to give up after only 2 weeks.

I guess, and I know its early days, but I'm thinking once someone is in post for my old job that's it, I'm stuck.

I have made some comments about maybe not coming back after week one and finding it hard to my line manager, but that's not got me anywhere. I was quite capable previously and I feel they think I will be fine, but I'm worried as in a previous role I got into quite and anxious state and my old job was my saviour. Well before my promotion!

You'll be fine.

I suspect that you would be having the same wobble if you were in your old job. Going back to work after a break, be it maternity, sick leave or something else can be challenging for some people.

Once you get back into the swing of things you'll be fine. As you say, it is the same as your old job; you state that you were capable previously and it is common to have a crisis of confidence.

Are you having an induction into the new role? It is good practice to have one into a new role but often managers forget about inducting internal promotions. Could you sit down and analyse which parts of the job are new, and think about how you'll equip yourself to meet the new challenges? By all means talk to your manager but I strongly urge you not to talk about not being up to the job. If you weren't up to it they won't have given it to you; after all, they gave it to you after you started your maternity leave so they must rate you.

What bits are you worried about?

only week 2.no rash decisions.still re-adjusting.naturally you are having a wee wobble

good luck and dont do anything hasty or rash

Thanks. I'm not one for rash decisions so this is not like me, but I don't want to get myself in a situation where I hate my job again especially when I really liked my old job.

I was very undecided about going for the promotion originally, and part of if I'm honest, was to make a point because I had been blocked from a secondment previously which would have been my ideal promotion.

I suppose I'm clutching at straws thinking I can go back to my old role?!