Going back to work after a break—whether it’s a vacation, maternity leave, a sabbatical, or even time off for mental health—can feel like walking into a mix of excitement and dread. It’s like the first day of school all over again. You’re eager to see familiar faces and get back into your routine, but there’s also that gnawing feeling in your stomach, whispering, "What if I’m not ready?"
If you’re anything like me, those pre-return jitters are real. Here’s how I’m navigating the nerves, mentally preparing myself, and embracing the reality of stepping back into the work world.
The Night Before: Jitters on Overdrive
Let’s be real—most of the nerves hit hardest the night before. You’ve been away from the hustle and grind for a while, and suddenly, it’s looming over you again. Thoughts like, "What if I forgot how to do my job?" or "What if I can’t get back into the groove?" swirl in your head. It’s easy to catastrophize.
What I’ve found helps is a bit of prep work. I lay out my work clothes the night before and set my alarm (probably double-check it a million times). Then I write out a quick list of what I need to tackle on day one. It doesn’t have to be detailed, but it’s my way of calming the chaos.
And yes, I also prepare for the inevitable 3 a.m. "What if I’m a total failure tomorrow?" moment. When that hits, I remind myself that I’ve done this before—I know my stuff, and if I fumble, I can pick myself up just like I have a hundred times.
Day One: That Weird Mix of Excitement and Awkwardness
Walking back into the office can feel oddly foreign. The smell of coffee brewing, the chatter of colleagues, the sound of your inbox exploding with emails—it’s all strangely familiar but also slightly alien after time away.
There’s a temptation to rush into things, to prove you’re still on top of your game. But here’s my advice: Take it slow. The first day back doesn’t need to be a productivity marathon. Ease in, catch up with your team, and give yourself the grace to get reacquainted with your work. You’re not a robot; it’s okay if it takes a day or two to find your rhythm.
One thing I remind myself is that everyone feels a little off when they return to work after a break. It’s not just you. So, if you’re feeling out of sync, know it’s perfectly normal.
The Social Anxiety Factor
Another layer of nerves often comes from the social aspect of returning to work. After time away, whether you’ve been relaxing on a beach or dealing with personal matters, the thought of jumping back into office small talk or video calls can be daunting.
You might worry about the endless questions: "How was your time off?" "What have you been up to?" "Are you ready to be back?" For some people, answering these questions can feel like being put on the spot. Here’s my trick: keep your responses short and sweet. "It was great, thanks for asking!" or "I’m excited to get back into the swing of things!" Simple and polite—no need to overexplain unless you feel like sharing more.
Imposter Syndrome? Oh, It’s Back
Just when you thought you left imposter syndrome behind, it shows up again the moment you return to work. Suddenly, your inner critic is louder than ever. "Maybe I’m not cut out for this anymore" or "What if everyone thinks I’ve lost my edge?"
Imposter syndrome is a persistent little beast, but here’s the thing: You’ve been in this position before, and you’ve succeeded. Time away doesn’t erase your skills, experience, or contributions. You’re just shaking off the rust. If you catch yourself falling into this mindset, remind yourself of the accomplishments that got you here in the first place. Trust me, your skills haven’t evaporated just because you took some time off.
Getting Back into the Groove: A Work in Progress
The reality of going back to work is that it takes time to get back into the groove, and that’s okay. Give yourself permission to have a few off days. It’s normal to feel rusty or even overwhelmed at first, but it’s also normal for things to slowly fall into place again.
I’ve found that focusing on small wins helps me regain confidence. Whether it’s finishing a project, having a good conversation with a colleague, or simply crossing off items on my to-do list, each little success builds momentum. Before you know it, you’re back in the flow, and those nerves that seemed so huge? They shrink into the background.
Embracing the New Normal
Here’s the silver lining: Time away often brings new perspectives. Maybe you come back to work with fresh ideas or a renewed sense of purpose. Or perhaps you’ve learned more about how to balance work and life, setting boundaries that make your job more manageable.
While it’s natural to feel nervous, the beauty of returning to work is that it’s an opportunity for a fresh start. So, embrace the nerves, but also embrace the excitement that comes with getting back into the swing of things. You've got this!
In the end, going back to work is never as scary as it seems. The nerves? They're just a sign that you care. And caring is the first step to doing a great job.
Add comment
Comments