How can I be more confident at work and life?

Hello, 

Immigrating here took courage, strength resiliency and I am sure a lot of planning. It sounds as though during the last 7 years you have focused on your career and that your hard work has paid off and afforded you the ability to forge a path that allows you some financial security. I commend you for taking on this journey as I know it is not a simple or easy matter to move your whole life to a new place let alone a new country. 

It also sounds as though you have taken on the role of support for your parents, wife as well as a decision making role. From what I read, it sounds as though the idea of moving back to your country of origin is something that you may not initially considered but perhaps another family member was considering that move. 

When there are changes in management that can be a stressful time as you are also having to get used to someone else's style and demands which can be different than what you were used to. Does your current company have an HR system in place or a union in place where job expectations and competencies are assessed in a specific manner? If so those outlines or structures can be a source of support to you during this transitional time. 

Perhaps you can also ask your supervisor in what areas they want you to speak up more about? Confidence is measured differently by all. You may want to consider in what circumstances are you being asked to speak up? As well as consider sharing your knowledge and expertise. It can be anxiety provoking however sharing your knowledge in a matter of fact way and also coming from a place of explaining your process can be a way to share your confidence in a way that does not come off as aggressive. 

Taking care of yourself is important and I am glad that you are already journaling and meditating. Of course you are right that these things alone won't be sufficient to support you in your next steps. However they can be a source of calm and allow you to slow down. 

Can you start looking for other job opportunities with other professionals or colleagues you have worked with? I do not know what area of work you do, however there may be other branches or professional networking websites that you may start searching for alternative employment. Indeed.com or LinkedIn often have helpful resources for employment search. You can set a goal of applying at another company and do an interview to assess if there is another area you may want to work in. 

Depending of where you live there may be employment support services through agencies. Are you able to apply for unemployment in the event there are lay offs? 

You have a lot to consider and decisions to make. You may want to consider reaching out to your network of support to share more in detail your worries about the economy and your job if you have not yet done so. 

Eva