Transitioning Back to Work After a Career Break
You’ve taken some time to focus on things other than your biz for a bit. You may have wrapped up a maternity leave (like me!) or had an extended vacation. While breaks can be a fantastic thing, the transition back to your desk chair can be a little difficult if you don’t prepare for that transition.
Here are some tips that I recommend for getting back into the office efficiently and limiting the stress of it all.
Ease back into things slowly
If you work from home or have the luxury of making your hours, try a few half days of work instead of the full 8-hour shift. Having this easing period can help with the shock of being back in it all.
If you don’t have the chance to set your hours, make sure that when you clock in, you clock out on time as well. No late nighters trying to play catch up. Take your time and get back into the swing of things.
You’ll probably feel a little out of sorts being back at work and that’s normal. It will be a change of pace compared to what you are coming from. It’s okay to feel this way. Just acknowledge that you may need a little more time in the mornings to get ready for the day or more time at the end of the day to unwind or squish those new baby cheeks. Figure out a flow that works best for you.
Prioritize your to-do’s
Please, please, please - prioritize your to-do’s when you are getting back to the grind. It’s so important during this time.
Create a list of the top three things to complete. Stick with those. Don’t get distracted by your inbox or take up time organizing your desktop files now. This is not the time to procrastinate. You’ve got a little bit of catching up to do or a kiddo to get home to. Stick to your plan and having a short list is way more manageable. Finish those three by lunch? Way to go. Try adding three more before the day is over. No need to overwork yourself, but try to use your time wisely. Time management is key.
Ask for help when you need it
I’m going to be real with you here. You are going to feel overwhelmed at least a few times before you get out of the clear. That’s okay. Ask for help! Processes may have changed, or clients have updated items while you were gone. Get up to date on the latest.
Another option for your workload is hiring a contractor or virtual assistant. You can assign items on your list and offload some things. I highly suggest this option if it is doable for you!
Whatever tip you use, just give yourself some grace. It will take some time for things to feel like they are back to “normal” or at least the new normal. And that’s totally Ok.
