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Original poster

Anyone else dreading returning to work?

129 replies

Overstimulatedmom · 31/12/2023 09:12

Had such a lovely time with my kids and husband and seeing family I absolute dread the return of everyday life. Working all day 5 days a week barely spending any decent time with my kids.

It’s even made me think about leaving my well paid corporate job and whether it’s even worth it anymore. I’ll never be rich anyway or well off enough to not worry.

What is the point in missing out on so much life for a bit of extra money.

OP posts:
HelpMeGetThrough · 31/12/2023 12:00

This time last year I was, I ended up managing two teams that were in a right mess and was getting zero support.

I did an internal move into a new area last year, back to being a techie and really enjoy what I do now, so I'm looking forward to getting back.

Allthescreens · 31/12/2023 12:08

I've already worked my normal working week since Christmas, so don't really feel I've had a break. It's been extra tough as the majority of my family & friends have had 10/11 days off in a row without using extra annual leave (most in schools or self-employed, I am public facing, similar to retail, low wage). And it's a very busy period for us. Lucky I love my job.

AlwaysGinPlease · 31/12/2023 12:10

No because I love my job. Change yours as soon as you can, life is too short to stay in a job you don't like.

Sar198 · 31/12/2023 12:11

No I can't wait for some peace, I mainly WFH and everyone in this house needs to go back to work and school asap 😂

OrigamiOwls · 31/12/2023 12:18

101jobs · 31/12/2023 10:17

Yes. I hate going to work with a passion. I am wishing my life away by constantly counting down to the weekend.

There is no point me looking for a different job because I don’t want to work anywhere. I want to be able to afford to be a housewife. That would make me happy.

I absolutely agree with this!
I know the standard advice is "change jobs" but frankly I don't think there is any job in the world that would make me happy (except possibly those people who cuddle orphan baby pandas, but that is literally the only thing I can think of). I work to earn money to do things I actually enjoy.

CharlotteStreetW1 · 31/12/2023 12:19

I'm not dreading it because I love my job and colleagues but we've had a really low-key Christmas this year and I will definitely miss the freedom.

I'd always planned to retire this year (60) but while we'd have enough to live on, we wouldn't be able to afford the holidays and trips that we love so much when ironically we'd have unlimited time for them.

ilovesooty · 31/12/2023 12:21

Ohwhatfuckeryitistoride · 31/12/2023 11:04

I’ve been off with non work related depression and stress since the beginning of December, due back on the 8th, dh hasn’t been well, weather been shit. I really, really don’t want to go back. I’m retiring later this year and can’t wait.

Get a mental health action plan in place to ensure continued safe attendance at work. Its provisions should hopefully help to carry you through to retirement.

tiredmama23 · 31/12/2023 12:22

I wouldn't say dreading because I do enjoy my job, however I really, really, really don't want the Christmas bubble of chill / family time to end! So I can relate to that.

ilovesooty · 31/12/2023 12:23

I've got a couple of appointments on 3rd but otherwise I'm off until 8th.

Quite looking forward to a week without festive crap and then I'll be happy to get back to work.

OutYerEd · 31/12/2023 12:24

I’m not dreading it as a) I like my job and the people I work with and b) as much as I hate to admit it, I need that structure and routine in my life or I end up lazing about daydreaming (I can lose days just loafing about in my own little world Grin).

I know it will be a shock to the system, though. From lie-ins and trifle for breakfast to 6am starts and commuting in the cold and dark. Eek!

PrueRamsay · 31/12/2023 12:28

No, I am looking forward to getting back into the routine.

I work four days and barely notice the reduced pay as obviously you don’t lose 20%

Could you reduce your hours? Or do you think you need a different job entirely?

VeterinaryCareAssistant · 31/12/2023 12:41

I have been working over the Christmas period but I adore my job.
It's minimum wage which is crap but I can't earn more money without dropping the hands-on role I have.

What is your passion?

DobbyRuth · 31/12/2023 12:53

@Overstimulatedmom No, I feel the opposite. Please may I ask, and I’m not being sarcastic, I’m just having a hard time with coping with my parental responsibilities - What is it that you enjoy at home so much?

greengreengrass25 · 31/12/2023 13:09

I don't want to go back on Tuesday but it's a short week and once I'm back it'll be ok again..

However will be looking forward to half term

CroccyWoccy · 31/12/2023 13:20

Me!

I took a step up in the corporate world last year which was probably a mistake. I had a bit of a meltdown at the GP just before Xmas as I was so overwhelmed and having intrusive thoughts. I have been so much better over Xmas, and thought of going back is making me feel a bit sick.

DilemmaDelilah · 31/12/2023 15:01

I have been off work for 6 months whilst receiving cancer treatment. I had intended to work in between cycles but unfortunately I just wasn't well enough. So going back to work on Tuesday is going to feel very odd and I confess I'm not looking forward to it at all.
I work with some lovely people so I shouldn't be worried, but I am, all the same.

PonyPatter44 · 31/12/2023 15:08

I'm not dreading going back - I'm looking forward to it, but I love my job and my colleagues.

I worked in the corporate world for a long time, but then jacked it in to go and teach in a specialist setting. Now I'm in the civil service and genuinely (possibly inexplicably) having a blast! There is more to life than the corporate slog.

Sallycinnamum · 31/12/2023 15:09

OP, have you considered cutting your hours?

I started working a nine day fortnight earlier this year so have every other Friday off and it's been a godsend having two extra days off a month.

It's not impacted my pay or pension either as I'm working an extra 45minutes day (which I was doing anyway and not getting paid for!)

MrsBird03 · 31/12/2023 15:34

I'm really sorry to be dim but a few posters have mentioned doing 4 days and not noticing the 20 per cent. Can I ask what you mean? I've looked at dropping to 4 days but would lose circa 6k pa which feels a lot, life is overwhelming at the moment so may be missing something obvious!

Twoshoesnewshoes · 31/12/2023 16:40

@MrsBird03 you dont lose 20 percent because of your tax free allowance and NI contributions. Also, I pay student loans and these are not proportional.

Twoshoesnewshoes · 31/12/2023 16:44

Eg
full time pay £38000
is £2488 a month
but lose a day, so 30 hours a week
Is £2057 a month

whereas a 20 percent drop would take you to under £2000

Twoshoesnewshoes · 31/12/2023 16:45

If the day dropped is in higher tax bracket even better

TravellingSpoon · 31/12/2023 17:42

I am not dreading going back as I love my job, but I am super anxious about it because we have been told our service is closing as our council needs to save money, so we will all be redeployed and I hate the thought of it.

I was supposed to go back on wednesday but I booked the last three days of last week off, so I am back this Tuesday.

IncaAztec · 31/12/2023 17:50

Same here, just don't want to go back. I've started applying for other jobs as I've started a new job which isn't working out. Started ADs and dreading returning to work.

TrickorTreacle · 31/12/2023 18:05

LlynTegid · 31/12/2023 10:11

No, because I go into work between Christmas and New Year.

Very much this.

We had the exact same thread last year and I posted pretty much what you said. The opnly difference is that it's a different OP, not @Overstimulatedmom