From Tan Lines to Timelines: Back to Work!

September 1st. Here we go again. The vacation season across much of Europe has wrapped up, and in theory, we should all be returning to work refreshed, energised, and brimming with optimism. After all, we’ve only got four months left of the year (yes, just four months left—let that sink in).

But if you’re anything like I was, that post-vacation energy quickly morphs into something closer to anxiety. Flashbacks of those days when I’d return to the office, not with excitement but with a sinking feeling in my stomach, still pop into my head. July marked the start of the new financial year for us, and together with August was holiday central. So, while December wasn’t our ultimate goal, it was that next long break on the horizon that kept us going (especially for those dreaming of winter cabins—well, maybe not dreaming, but definitely counting down the days).

Looking back now, from a far different vantage point—both in terms of career and geography—I can see that the much-anticipated vacation was just a brief blink of an eye. Returning to work often felt like a tough necessity. I was busy, sure, but I knew plenty of others who were even busier in my workspace. I’d get so tense at the thought of the next Monday or the next big meeting or even the next follow-up with the Authorities on some never-ending case (I used to work as a lawyer, where summer meant that most officials were away, so cases were on hold). 

And I know it was not only me. That behind those tanned, smiley faces of my colleagues and clients, there was a lot of hidden anxiety.

But here’s the thing: does it really have to be this way? As someone prone to anxiety, I’ve started to wonder. Now, being away from all that, working on establishing routines and creating structure in my life, I’ve noticed something new—an unexpected excitement about getting back to work. 

How did that happen? It turns out that being productive and creating things, rather than just resting, can be pretty satisfying. Maybe what I was missing all along was the right routine—a way to automate the mundane, streamline my tasks, and truly enjoy the parts of my job that I loved.

So today, following my “past-life” reflection, I wanted to share a few tips on how to make your return to the office a bit more pleasant—dare I say, even enjoyable.

1. Prepare Mindfully.

This might sound like something out of a self-help book, but even Shakespeare said, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so”. Take a deep breath and remind yourself of the perks of returning to work—unlimited coffee, no need to worry about laundry or dishes for a few hours, and the perfect excuse to duck out of boring conversations by just saying, “I’m busy.” Or, if that doesn’t do it for you, think pragmatically: you’re returning to a career you chose, for some reason, and you get to put your education and skills to use again.

2. Get Organised.

One of my biggest downfalls in corporate life was not having a system for organising my work. I just used what was handed to me. But now, I’m aware of so many tools that can help. You don’t always have to stick to the company’s software to be productive. I’ve started using e.g. Notion, and while I’m still figuring it out, it’s already making a huge difference for me. Even just having a good structure for organising my notes has been a game-changer (psst, you do not need Notion to have well-organised notes, but this is just an idea).

3. Take It Slow.

My mistake was always thinking that I had to catch up on everything I missed during the summer all at once. But guess what? No one expects that—not even your clients. They’d rather you handle things with care and attention than rush through them. Take some time—heck, take a whole day—to sift through unread emails, review your pre-vacation notes, or update client files if you have them. Prioritise your tasks, and you might find you don’t have as much on your plate as you feared. Then, consider sending out some “welcome back” emails to your clients, asking if they need any assistance now that you’re back. This could be a great opportunity to grow your projects—after all, the start of anything is always a good time to promote yourself!

So, those are my thoughts on getting back to work after a break—whether long or short—and a few tips to help you ease into it without burning out.

Forgive me if my memories don’t resonate with you. And if you’re someone who doesn’t struggle with returning to work after a vacation, then congratulations! You’re probably in the vast minority. Care to share your secrets?