Post-holiday blues: Is it time to rethink your career?

Whether you’ve been away somewhere sunny or just enjoyed a quiet week at home, the shift from holiday mode back to work mode can hit hard.

You might feel tired, irritable or unmotivated (or all three), even if you were excited about work before your time off.

For many of us, that feeling passes quickly. But sometimes, the post-holiday slump lingers and starts stirring up deeper questions about job satisfaction, work-life balance and what really matters.

In fact, a recent survey found that more than half of UK workers feel low after a holiday. And while it’s often just part of the readjustment process, sometimes it’s more than that: a quiet nudge to notice what’s no longer working for you in your career.

So, how do you know if it’s just a temporary wobble or a sign it’s time for something new?

In this blog, we’ll explore what the post-holiday blues might be telling you… and what to do if something doesn’t feel quite right.

Why holidays can trigger career reflection

A break from work gives your mind a chance to rest and recharge. When you’re not in go-mode: juggling deadlines, meetings and to-do lists, you’ve finally got space to notice how you’re really feeling.

Maybe the idea of logging back into your inbox fills you with dread. Maybe you realised just how exhausted you’ve been. Or maybe you reconnected with family or hobbies and thought, “I want more of this in my life.”

That post-holiday clarity can be powerful, especially if it’s pointing to something you’ve been ignoring.

Is it just holiday blues… or something more?

Here are a few signs that your post-holiday slump could be pointing to something bigger:

• You felt unhappy or stuck before your holiday
• You can’t shake the feeling of dread, even after settling back in
• You’ve lost interest in your work or feel like you’re going through the motions
• You’ve started imagining a completely different working life… and it feels exciting.

Not sure what’s next? Here’s what to try

If you feel it’s time to reassess where you’re heading in your career, you don’t need to make any big decisions right away. But taking a few practical steps can help you figure out what’s going on and what you might want next.

1. Ease yourself back into work

If you’ve just returned to work, don’t expect yourself to be firing on all cylinders immediately. Take it one step at a time. Prioritise, plan and ease yourself back in. That alone can take the edge off the blues.

2. Ask yourself these three questions (no need to overthink it):

• What’s bothering me most right now?
• Was I happy in my job before my break?
• What do I want more (or less) of in my working life?

3. Revisit your goals

Think about where you’re heading. Are you working towards something that still feels meaningful?

If you’re not sure, it might be time to reset your goals or even rewrite them entirely. Your priorities or values might have shifted, and that’s completely okay.

Is it time to consider a career change?

Only you can answer that. But if the same feelings keep cropping up, like frustration, burnout or disconnection, it might be time to explore your options.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Do you feel supported and valued in your current role?
• Is there room to grow or progress?
• Does the work still excite or interest you?
• Are you happy with your work-life balance?

If the answer to the majority of these questions is no, it might be worth exploring whether a different career path could offer more of what you’re looking for.

Feeling pulled in a new direction? Here are five simple ways to get started

If you’re starting to think about making a change, here are a few low-pressure ways to begin:

1. Talk to people. Connect with friends, colleagues or people in roles you’re curious about. Ask what they love (and don’t love) about their work.
2. Update your CV. Even if you’re not ready to apply, this is a great way to reflect on your experience and skills. You can find out more about how to create an eye-catching CV here.
3. Explore ideas. Read, listen to podcasts, browse job boards, even if it’s just to see what’s out there.
4. Read this blog. It’s a great place to start if you want to change career but have no idea what to do next!
5. Speak to a coach. Sometimes, talking things through with someone impartial can give you clarity and confidence.

Ready to start making moves toward a more fulfilling career?

It’s completely normal to feel a bit flat after a break. In many cases, it’ll pass once you settle back in. But if you’re still feeling stuck, unfulfilled or questioning where you’re headed, it might be time to stop and listen to that inner nudge.

If you’d like someone to support you as you figure it out, please get in touch. You can book a free virtual coffee with me here.

It would also be great to connect with you on Facebook and LinkedIn!