Dreading going back to work tomorrow

[Goldfishmountainclimber]

I have a sinking feeling about going back to work tomorrow. I am in my late 50’s and know that I need to work for a fair few more years yet.

I wonder if others could give advice on how they motivate themselves to keep at it and even to have a positive attitude? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Ah OP, you are allowed a bit of a pity party! I am the same, and, just having made up my lunchbox for tomorrow, the feeling of dread is exacerbated! Like you, I am late 50's and, much as I keep looking at my pension pot, the reality is that, barring an enormous stroke of good fortune in some shape or form, I will have to soldier on for another couple of years. I love what I do (horticulturalist), but hate the toxic environment where I currently work and an employer who is the epitome of miserly and totally lacking in decency and unable to articulate or show thanks or appreciation in any form. I have no real advice for you other than to say 'gird up thy loins' and look upon it as any other unpleasant task which has to be faced - I hope that does not sound trite or dismissive, I am dreading the return too, you are most definitely not alone

Lots of empathy here. Almost 60 here and unlikely to be able to retire until 67 or later if they move the goalposts. Been nice not feeling permanently knackered and achey. I find my sedentary job very bad for my health now and don't sleep well so getting up early is a killer.

I can't wait. I can't wait to just sit at my desk, away from my toddler and husband and just switch off and focus on what is in front of me. No bloody duplo all over the floor, no incessant whining, no huffing and puffing from the OH, no sorting out bloody cheese sandwiches with grapes in a bowl and no bloody nappies.... take me to work!

I think it’s natural to not want to go back to work after a decent break. In my 30 years of working I’ve pretty much always dreaded going back in after a break and the weird thing is I know I’ll be ok once I’ve been there for a couple of hours but it doesn’t stop that horrible sinking feeling.

I read a good article today online in the Metro about ‘the back to work scareys’ which I thought was a good phrase for it!!

Just came to say my dh was like this for years, totally miserable after annual leave. He changed jobs this year, something a bit different. Today he said he is looking forward to work this week.. my heart skipped a beat I am so happy for him. Sometimes a change is as good as a rest

I'm particularly dreading my return to work as I am starting a brand new job. I'm so nervous

I’m a social worker and also dreading it. Due to being agency I don’t get offered Christmas shifts (bloody stupid if you ask me but it’ll be so the local authority save money I imagine). The outcome is that I’ll go back tomorrow to assessments being out of timescale that were due whilst I was on ‘leave’ and visits for 30 odd kids being due within the next week plus a likely lecture off my manager of how I have to learn to manage my unrealistic workload. Decided I’m planning my exit strategy this year - I’ve enjoyed the time off over Christmas a little too much and it’s been so nice to not feel stressed to my eyeballs (until today at the thought of going back!).

I'm 58 and out of work at the moment. I was made redundant. I still need to work for 10 years to pay off my mortgage. I have a job interview tomorrow.

I can honestly say I really want the job and to work. It's just too boring not working and trying to fill 7 days a week (even though I volunteer with a charity). I need the mental stimulation, intellectual challenge and sense of purpose.

So I think you should look for another job that you enjoy. That going back to work feeling is horrible.

I'm dreading going back to WFH again. Would love to be heading into the office and seeing all my colleagues and getting the buzz from the interaction. Instead I'll be sitting in my bedroom . I hate it

I know what you mean. I'm a single parent and I'm 51 so that means 16 more years before I'll be entitled to pension.

I did manage to wangle an extra day off today. But I enjoy my job when I'm there. It's not that, it's the not being at home keeping on top of the home, I enjoy being on the bus, I love reading but that's still another 10 hours per week when I'm not at home.

@dementedma

I'm dreading going back to WFH again. Would love to be heading into the office and seeing all my colleagues and getting the buzz from the interaction. Instead I'll be sitting in my bedroom . I hate it

I feel like I'm swimming upstream! This whole time, I've been in the office. (There is a reason for that, files, printing) but now, over Christmas having been off since 23rd and having partially caught up with the house, ie, the mess the clutter, some reading I had meant to do..... I feel now that I was missing a trick. I need to get in on the working from home trick, maybe two days a week.