Back from Holiday? Here’s How to Beat the Post-Vacation Struggle (and Get Ready for the Future of Work)

Coming back after a holiday can feel like a mini identity crisis.

On one side, there’s The Holiday Hardcore 😎:

• Wants to keep doing absolutely nothing.

• Still dreaming of sunsets, naps, and gelato.

• Secretly Googling “cheap flights back” during the first Monday meeting.

On the other side, there’s The Eager Beaver 🚀:

• Bursting with ideas and energy.

• Excited to open the laptop again.

• Can’t wait to start fresh with new projects.

The truth? Both live inside us.

That tug-of-war between “take me back” and “let’s gooo” makes the first week back… interesting, to say the least.

Why Post-Holiday Transitions Feel So Hard

The common struggle? 👉 Getting back into routine.

After weeks of holiday freedom, our brains are still in “holiday mode”:

• Slower mornings.

• Fewer deadlines.

• Less structure.

And suddenly, we’re thrown back into inboxes, calendars, and meetings. No wonder it feels overwhelming.

How to Reset and Regain Momentum

The key is to start small. Instead of trying to “do it all” on your first day back, aim for one quick win:

• Clear 10 old emails from your inbox.

• Tidy your desk or workspace.

• Finish one easy task you know you can complete.

That small sense of achievement creates momentum. And once momentum kicks in, the rest of the routine feels easier.

For me? I’m somewhere between Holiday Hardcore and Eager Beaver — sipping coffee while scrolling holiday photos, but slowly easing back into productivity.

Holiday Hardcore or Eager Beaver — Which One Are You?

This is also a great moment to ask yourself:

• How do I want to re-enter my routine?

• What kind of professional energy do I want to bring into the next season?

• Am I working in a way that truly fits the world we live in now?

Speaking of Routines… Let’s Talk About Work in the Future

The way we work is changing. Routines, careers, and even the idea of a linear career path no longer fit today’s reality.

That’s why in September I’ll be in Rome at Rome Future Week for a panel event titled:

📌 Oltre il CV: Reinventare la Carriera in un Mondo che Cambia
📅 September 18
📍 Rome

We’ll explore:
✅ How the job market is evolving beyond traditional models
✅ Hybrid careers, freelancing, and entrepreneurship
✅ The role of networking, branding, and continuous learning
✅ Practical strategies to future-proof your career

Whether you’re an employee, freelancer, entrepreneur, or in career transition, this panel will give you real tools and stories to navigate the future of work with confidence.

👉 Register here: https://romefutureweek.it/event/oltre-il-cv-reinventare-la-carriera/

Final Thought

So, as we all crawl (or sprint) back into work after summer, maybe the real challenge isn’t just inbox zero.
It’s rethinking how we approach our careers and routines in a world where change is the only constant.

💬 Tell me: Are you Holiday Hardcore or Eager Beaver this week?

And if you’re in Rome in September — let’s meet in person and explore how we can all reinvent our careers for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is it so hard to focus after a holiday?
After a break, your brain is still in “holiday mode” — slower mornings, less structure, and reduced pressure. Switching suddenly back to deadlines and meetings creates resistance. The solution? Start small, build momentum with one easy task, and your focus will return.

2. How do I get back into my work routine after vacation?
Begin with a quick win: clear your inbox, organize your desk, or finish a simple task. This creates momentum and helps you ease back into a structured workflow without overwhelming yourself.

3. What is the best way to stay motivated after summer holidays?
Set fresh goals for the new season and remind yourself of the bigger picture. You don’t have to be 100% “Eager Beaver” from day one — balance rest with gradual re-engagement.

4. How are careers and routines changing in today’s job market?
Traditional linear career paths are fading. Today’s professionals often balance hybrid work, freelancing, entrepreneurship, and continuous learning. That’s why it’s important to rethink how routines and skills fit the future of work.

Image credit: Peculiara