and I'm scurred.

I've been doing my own thing for long enough; it's time to get those old grey cells working again.

Has anyone else taken a career break at any point? What are your tips for returning to work?

I need help

Good for you! Wish I could take a break!

Reincarnate said:

You will be surprised how easy everything is. I am guessing that with 5 years life experience behind you your preconceived ideas of work and the work place will not be as expected.

Yeah, it's the idea of sticking to other people's schedules that I would find rough. I kind of like existing on my own terms...

I took a career break, just for one year though. I returned to work with a certain feeling of trepidation and a new suit. After a few days I was back into the routine, same old, same old....

My main tip is not to think about it too much. OK, I know you can't not think about it, but don't let it go round and round in your mind. If you do any meditation or relaxation techniques I would do some the evening before you start work. If you drink, a couple of scoops might be a good idea too. Forget the idea of going to bed early just because it's your first day back at work, go at your usual time. Essentially, just try to follow your normal routine as much as possible, and try to think of it in terms of work fitting into your current routine rather than throwing away your routine in place of a new work routine. Whatever about the reality of your work and how it will affect you, it is at this point an unknown, and treating it as more important than it is will only cause you stress.

I remember when I started back thinking about it beforehand was far worse than the reality. So you've nothing to worry about. After a few days it'll feel like you never left the rat race, you'll be planning your first holiday and wondering just what possessed you to return to work anyway.


Good luck !

AsylumUtopia said:

Thanks Cynthia, Predom, Heiress, Asylum.

I'm terrified ... I think as much for the reasons Heiress put - I like my time being my own and I'm worried I might find it too restrictive and mess everyone about (I know, "welcome to the real world") ... but also my skills are five years old now and how will I cope?

Thanks for the encouragement ... I'll try not to worry too much about it.

xxx

Thanks Martina

... it's Project Support - basically admin work but using project management software. I've spent the last couple of years yearning to do something that helps people (I really wanted to work in healthcare) but events have conspired against me to prevent me from retraining. Now I figure I have to get back to work somehow because it feels like my brain's turning to mush so I'll stick with what I've done before. Quite boring but a way of earning money

Reincarnate said:

it sounds like a great environment - should be some great people to work with, and of course you're working for a worthwhile cause!

Reincarnate said:

Let us know how it goes! I'm sure you'll do fine.