Already feel sick about work on Monday

[youcanstayhere]

It always happens, halfway through a holiday I just dread going back.

I know the obvious answer is to find a new job but for a myriad of reasons that’s difficult. Also I do feel like it’s just the industry I work in.

Anyone else feeling sick about it?

I’m already back and feel sick about Monday, as that’s when everything will go ‘back to normal. No Christmas cheer, just cold, dark and long January ahead.

Me too. I’ve loved not having anyone demanding on my time for barely minimum wage for the last two weeks. I’m gutted I have to go back.

Lucky you - not being back until monday

I started my one year maternity leave since August and I’m due back at work August 2026. I have been dreading my return to work since my leave started. I can’t seem to shake the dread and it’s severely affecting my well being even though I still have a long time left so I know the feeling!

Are you a teacher, OP? I am feeling exactly the same.

I went back today. NHS. Busy and awful.

I went back yesterday and it was fine. Try not to think about it too much, make the most of your holiday if you can

I’m due back on Monday after 5 months off due to Cancer. I went back for a bit in that 5 months but was signed off again as I struggled to cope. Absolutely dreading 9am on Monday.

I felt like this when I was teaching. It was great having the holidays, but got to the point where I'd spend half of them dreading going back

I left...!

I used to think that but after a day back at work it was just the normal routine again.

How did you guess 😩

I'm like this as well, but I cling on to what I can to make me feel better! For example:
Today was beautifully sunny
The days are getting longer
On Monday, I'm going to have something really nice for lunch so I have something to look forward to
Pancake day will be soon (I'm already planning toppings)
Valentines is soon (I don't celebrate it but it's still a day I can treat myself)
Have a holiday booked for March - using chatGPT to plans things for it
Starting to use the bits I got for Xmas
Etc.

I just knew you’d be a teacher.

No advice but I feel the same.

I was in work today and feel on top of things for Monday when I'm back in. Life is too short for a job you hate. Yes, I can say that as i once took 6 months off due to burnout..more likely a breakdown on no pay!

I remember when I was an NQT 25 years ago, and asked a colleague who had been teaching for 40 years whether the feeling of dread at the end of a holiday ever goes away. She confirmed it does not. I wonder if it's because teachers have set holidays, so you see them looming throughout each year like beacons.

I hope Monday is okay.

I'm living it too. I've been getting up early every day of the holiday before the family so that I can mark before beginning all the Christmas shenanigans. Now it's time to go back and I still feel exhausted, and I keep thinking of a stressful situation looming in the first week back.

But we're not alone and we can get through it. Sending you strength.

It depends why you feel sick as not much happens over Xmas, no big decisions its just plodding. Easiest time to go back is after Xmas.

Sounds more like you hate your job so should consider getting a new one in 2026.

For a company I love, in a job I like (mostly) and I’m STILL feeling the dread about the 5th. Too much pressure.

For the first time in 44 years I’m not dreading because IM NOT GOING BACK after the longest resignation in history (13 months) I am free. I will be re-learning piano in January as I have a lovely new one.

I guessed too. Same boat here.

Yep I used to feel this as a teacher…I left. Never felt that way again. Been in my new role for 5 years and not once do I give returning to work a thought.

Same here (teacher).

Teacher also, and I’m absolutely dreading going back. I keep fantasising about winning the lottery and just not turning up for work (obviously wouldn’t do this to my lovely little class and colleagues, if by some miracle I should win 😂）This feeling of dread just seems to get worse year on year and after 22 years, I’m not sure how much longer I can hang on.

Good luck for Monday 💐

I used to have a job that would leave me on my knees before every break. I’d spend all of my leave and holidays dreading going back and when I got back, the amount of crap I’d be bombarded with used to make me regret having time off.

I now have a job I love. I’m looking forward to going back and I’ve barely given work a thought.

What do you do now, if you don't mind me asking? I often think about leaving, but in reality, I'm pretty institutionalised after twenty plus years, and have no idea what else I'd do that would pay similar 🤷🏻‍♀️.