As the last traces of summer begin to fade, the reality of returning to work seemed to be like pushing an immovable object last week.
Trying to shake off that holiday vibe, especially when the weather was so nice, was really hard. I mean, who doesn’t want to maintain a bit more of that holiday vibe just a bit longer?
Yet, we know, deep down, that the world must go on, and good things at some point come to an end.. it just felt like we needed to go from 0 to 100mph overnight.
It is of course completely normal to feel the pressure to get back up to speed after a break, but what also struck me this time around was the profound impact had on my perceptions… As if my brain shifted into warp speed, intensifying and accelerating every interaction, decision, and concern. It all collided, compounding my stress, and impatience at things ‘just not moving quick enough’!
A couple of observations I noted…
1. The Need for Immediate Responses. Sending emails, getting things done, yet within minutes, I was checking my inbox… ‘why haven’t they replied yet’… yes, time is important, but it can be too quick… people do need to read it first!
2. A Bias to Quick Decisions. In my sped-up state of mind, any delay in decision-making I was interpreting as procrastination… ‘just make a decision and move on!’ But, there can be too hasty. Sometimes decisions require some consideration, analysis and data… rushing can lead to costly mistakes.
3. A Race Against the Clock. ‘It should all be done by the end of the week?’, I found myself thinking, before factoring in other people’s diaries, response times, sleeping and eating. A little more reality setting needed here.
4. Click through Rates. With an urgency on seeing immediate results… “Do we need to repost that article again?”… it was tempting, but how much is too much and how much is just others are busy too? Patience is key, some things take time.
Fortunately, things seem to have settled down a little and returned to more like normality this week… the routine is settling in.
But, boy taking a break can be stressful… it seems I need a week below to clear the decks of work and then the week after just to get back up to speed!… Sometimes do you wonder if it is even worth going on holiday at all?
Nah, I thought not, it is definitely worth it… but be a little more patient with those who have just returned… for a week at least. 🙂
Let me know in the comments below if you have experienced something similar… and remember only 14 weeks to go until Christmas!
Have a good week everyone.
