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?

No, I don't think they do-my husband says he doesn't particularly want to go back to work on Monday but certainly isn't dreading it. He doesn't spend every Sunday dreading the next day. My siblings and adult children say the same as him.

Most (normal) people will feel trepidation, if not actual dread, about the return to work after Christmas or indeed any other longish holiday, OP. You're not alone. Get Day 1 under your belt and you'll feel better.
MN seems to have a high proportion of teachers and there's plenty of support and advice here. As a non-teacher, may I say that I hugely admire all our teachers, you do a fantastic and absolutely essential job, you often don't realise the impact you have on young lives and parents alike, you make our country a better place, so all power to your elbows in 2026!

Much as it has been a real hurdle to do it, I've done some work yesterday and today (marking, adjusting SOW for the department, checking resources) to make Monday a bit less painful.

But the work dreams began a couple of days ago, as did the dread...

Sorry about that. I’d just finished a thirteen hour night nursing shift and wasn’t reading the thread properly.
There’s a lot of unkindness and intolerance on this thread and it’s very sad to read of so very many teachers being so unhappy in their lives.
Apologies again and wish you well.

There’s a lot of unkindness and intolerance on this thread

I don't think there is, actually.

There have been snippy comments such as only having to work for a 'few weeks' before getting another holiday, but that was from you.

Agree, no point not doing anything about it.

I've had jobs where I dreaded going in and couldn't wait for the day to end as many have also said.

You have to either make the best of it or look for another job, nothing else will solve the issue.

I don’t hate my job at all - wouldn’t say I love it, but I like a lot of things about it including most of the people I work with - or have big work stresses but I am also really not looking forward to Monday. I worked 29/30 to try and make the 5th a little easier but with almost everyone else on leave, zero meetings and teams/email traffic it didn’t feel like proper work, Monday will be back to normal and I’m dreading it. Anyway, my point is that really not looking forward to the return, particularly in January when there is so much of winter left but Christmas over is normal. Life feels like drudgery and there is not much to look forward to. Last year (or maybe it was 2023) I read “Wintering” by Katherine May during this time. It’s a fabulous book, not sure it’s got life lessons as such to help you get through winter but did help me come to an acceptance that made it also more pleasant. Other things I have found that helped is noticing the light returning and booking in a few things for weekends in January to look forward to. In terms of work and Mondays I take part wonderful online drawing sessions every monday early morning and evening (if anyone is into drawing Google “drawing is free” to find out about them, they are on zoom and free), I look forward to them and they def have helped with the Sunday afternoon sinking feeling.

Sunshinesmilingthrough I have Cancer too.I am older (in early 60s ) so not working now.Mc Millan are very helpful. and have information on their website re working with Cancer .Also their Nurses are very helpful .The phone line open 8 to 8 7 days a week .Sending solidarity to you .good wishes for both of us

@dottiedodahThank you for the info. I work 3 days a week so hours wise it’s doable. I am mostly dreading not being able to do my job the same as I did. My focus & concentration is all over the place and I am still adjusting to medication post active treatment. It can be a really stressful & time sensitive job at times and I’m not convinced I’ll cope with that so well now. The thought is always worse than reality though. Sending you good wishes

I’m due back to work on Monday and always feel anxious going back after a holiday.

i just love relaxing at home with dh and our children at home.
however I also love my job and know once I’m back it’ll be fine, but that anxiety and overthinking always strikes just before I need to return after being off.

I completely agree! I don't have kids but I'm in awe of what you do, society needs you, it's such an important thing you're doing. We need more teachers, but I get that it's a really stressful career.

No helpful advice sorry; just know that you're appreciated 👏👏

I concluded the same, know that feeling too well. It's because we know we're going back to the same unrelenting stress, the exhaustion of trying to keep up with the huge amount of students and all the rest. I went PT then supply and a different role and don't feel the extreme of the stomach churning now. Xx

I feel your pain. I am currently working and it'sfar too late, and in my tired state wrote a question with the answer 6/7... which would just ruin that lesson 🤣 I was wondering earlier how many other jobs have to work excessively in their holiday time to prepare to do the job they're actually paid for!

I'd love to work over the break. Unfortunately, I am in a summer country so it's school hols on top of Christmas. Company shuts down for 2 weeks & force us to use leave (this is common). I'm mostly dreading the year stretching out & having 13 days off. All year. WFH is allowed for emergencies only. Can't accrue RDO's as my hours are maxed inside school hours already.

I loved my previous career working at a uni, who gave us the Christmas/NY days for free & no shutdown, and we didn't have a manager checking my performance against every minute worked (billing industry, but used against staff for performance reviews).

I'm looking to get back into government, who are flexible & don't allow discrimination based on hours or micromanaging.

Also got anxiety - started a new job a couple of months ago and I'm not sure about it, plus I feel like I've forgotten what I've learnt I can't even remeber my p/w!

then I give myself a talking too and say 'fuck it I'll be fine' before going back to anxious mode.

How long have you been working in this area?
It sounds like you need an exit plan.

This has a few useful tips:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7097jp00pno

That article assumes a level of control over over work that many people don't have

Ok.

I really feel you, OP. I'm a middle leader in a high school and pregnant with my 2nd. Teaching full time with a toddler has been exhausting beyond belief, and despite being in what I would consider a 'good' school, the demands get greater every year. I'm really struggling and know that I will have to reconsider my options (part-time probably) after maternity leave.

Was having a shit time at work before I left off, absolutely done with it. I only started here 3 months ago.

been in the same type of role for about 6 years now and I am becoming extremely disillusioned with corporate wanky bullshit.

honestly just done. Wish I could retire at 40.

I've only had Christmas Day, boxing day and New Year's Day off ( first time in 20 years I've actually not had 2 weeks off) and I'm dreading Monday and everything going back to normal.

Work is a shitshow at the moment and I'm really fed up with it all. I have a control freak trying to take over some of my work whilst acting like I'm beneath her (I'm actually her manager's manager's EA) and quite frankly she's making herself look desperate flirting with my boss and publicly making sly digs at me hidden beneath 'jokes' which no one laughs at (there was just an awkward silence).

I usually like my job but recently I've had the Sunday night blues again.

Going to use January to get my cv up to date and looking good before I start applying for new roles.

Good morning, just looked out the window and we have snow! Tiny chance of a snow day … would love another day….worked yesterday writing lessons but never feel completely ready

I only work Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. I have trouble sleeping Tuesday as I get so anxious about work.

Take an extended leave of absence and try working in the private sector.
That will cure any lingering issues very quickly.