This is the question that echoed in my mind as I walked into the office, my first day back from maternity leave. Returning to my desk, I couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't up to the task.
I used to thrive in the fast-paced world of energy trading, delivering results and juggling projects. But now, with a baby at home, everything felt different. Even with a solid support system, my mind was constantly divided, and self-doubt crept into every task. Could I still handle it all?
I questioned my abilities even when receiving positive feedback. On top of it all, I switched jobs a few months later, seeking growth but unsure of the timing. Like many women, I kept these doubts to myself, maintaining an outward appearance of success.
One day, a coworker opened up in a meeting about her struggles after having kids. It was a simple act, but a turning point for me. I started talking to people at work and outside, in a similar situation, sharing my worries. As it turned out, I wasn't alone: I started to get support and advice.
I also found online groups for working moms. Reading about other women's experiences and learning from their strategies gave me hope that I could do this too.
With time, I began to regain my trust. I learned to set realistic expectations, prioritize my tasks, and delegate when I could and needed to.
Most importantly, I learned:
↳ to be kind to myself. Alright, kind𝘦𝘳. After 11 years, it is still work-in-progress 😊
↳ my experiences as a mother had made me a better employee - more empathetic, resilient, and resourceful.
↳ being a working mother wasn't about being perfect; it was about finding a balance that worked for me and my family. Like drinking wizard's butterbeer on a long escape weekend with my son 🧙🏻🇬🇧
I wish I could tell all this to my younger self! At the end, the imposter syndrome didn't disappear overnight, but it became a whisper instead of a shout.
Have you felt like you can't do this anymore?
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