Any Former SAHM's? Question...

wifeofaussie · May 2012

I've been out of the workforce for about 3 years now. DH and I have started our own company recently and it's a lot of networking, phone calls, etc. This is going to sound ridiculous but I've completely lost my nerve! I used to be an office manager. I was very capable and had people working under me and had no problem with the phones at all but now I'm really struggling to get my confidence back. I'm not sure why this is. I'm good in this industry, I'm very confident in our company but I'm just not confident in my abilities with clients anymore. These days I lose my train of thought very easily and I'm just not as sharp mentally as I used to be. DH understands and is an off the scales extrovert so for now he's taken on the more interactive side of things til I can get my bearings but I'm so disgusted with myself. What happened? Is it normal to feel so lost and unsure of oneself like this after being out of work for a while? This is the longest I've been without a job since I was 15!

Taylor11 · May 2012

I have not been a SAHM, but that is one of the reasons I choose to still work. I worry I will lose my 'edge and sharpness'! But kudos to you for taking the leap and being a SAHM

. It is just a hard as working, if not harder! My recommendation would be to join a local professional networking group. Not sure what your start up biz entails, but this could be a good way to spread the word about your new venture? Google PowerCore and Professional Networking in your area. They usually meet once a week and pass leads around. Good way to mingle with other professionals. Also, Toastmasters is a great public speaking organization, and they are national. This would help you brush up on your public speaking, and increase your overall confidence in front of people in a business setting. I think it's awesome you are getting back out there, and I bet you will have the hang of it in no time at all! GL!

AZ123 · May 2012

I had a friend who had the same problem after being a SAHM for so long. My advice was, "Fake it 'til you make it." Just fake it. The person on the other end of the line or the person you're meeting with doesn't know. For all they know, you just sold your very successful business for top dollar and are venturing into another industry.

Brina Bean · May 2012

I literally just finished up a phone interview and can understand what you're saying. I felt like my answers were spot-on, but slightly long-winded. I'm so used to using short, concise phrases with my boys(after 4 years as a SAHM) that I may have overcompensated. I bet you'll improve with practice. Sorry I don't have more to offer, just wanted to let you know that I can relate! Smile

bearkatjen · May 2012

I was a SAHM (3.5 years) up until this month. The transition hasn't been too bad, but I think that's in part because I was a grad student while I was a SAHM. I also think it helps that I'm in a different field than the one I left, so I can't compare myself with how I used to be. I haven't worked in this field, so I don't get upset when I need to ask questions, feel hesitant, or make mistakes - it's expected. That said, had I just been thrown into my office and told to get on with it, I would be sinking right now. My department definitely hand holds their new staff, and that has really made this whole transition easier.