Going back to office after a gap can be daunting. Do things work the same way? Will I remember anything I learned before? Will people judge me? Many such thoughts plague us. In this post I share my experience about how I managed these thoughts and prepared myself.
It’s been a while, since I got ready and went to work every day. Since I longed for the weekend. Although, being at home has been wonderful, yet the prospect of getting back to almost the same routine is still exciting. Today’s the day, I complete my first week after re-starting work, and it’s a good time to share how I prepared myself to get back to this life. I felt all the possible emotions that you can imagine – excitement, jitters, and a bit of a buzz. This change seemed a tad more daunting probably, because a lot has transpired not in just my life but for the whole world in the last two years, and now I’m going back to work in a new country.
Although, I’d been looking for a job for a couple of months, and was grateful to receive the offer, I knew I would feel all this as the day came nearer. Hence, I knew I’d need to prepare myself or make myself used to the idea of going back to the office routine. So, here are the few things I did to prepare myself –
Took some time for myself
Right off the bat, this seems like a stupid idea. You got TWO years since you went to work, why do you need to take more time? Well, it’s like you’ve been waiting for something all your life, you know you are ready, however you still need some time to gather yourself. So that’s what I did. I requested for a couple of weeks before I joined, instead of rushing into it immediately. After pandemic a lot of roles are completely or at least semi-permanent work from home. In my case though, my role requires me to be in office almost every day. I knew it would need some getting used to. I thought it to be a wise idea to use this time for all the preparation that I need to be ready.
Started adjusting my routine
With all the spiel I gave above, it’s no surprise that I’ve become used to a certain routine. I didn’t have to go to work and my husband works from home. So getting up around 6:00 a.m. worked just fine for me. Even though I wake up early, I still can take it easy. You can refer to my morning routine that’s been good for me here. I’ll share the updated one (with a full time day job) once I’ve spent some time in it. Nevertheless, I knew I’d need to make adjustments. For starters, I have a minimum of 2 hours’ drive ahead of me every day, so getting up at 5:00 a.m. is critical.
Brushed up my knowledge and skills
I’ve been working in the same domain for around a decade now, however there’s been a gap of a couple of years now and it’s a good idea to get back on top of things and what’s happening in the industry. So that’s what I did. I have been in touch with what’s happening in the industry more or less, however I read a bit more and connected with my ex colleagues from previous organisations. I also looked at a couple of online courses I could finish, just to feel like being back in the game if nothing else. Then, connected with my mentor to seek the advice they have for me before starting.
Learned about the organization
This is something, I anyway did while preparing for the interview. However, once, I knew I would be joining, I made sure I learned more about the company, made myself more familiar with some of the jargons that I heard often. What is the company’s standing in the area? How’s the work culture defined on social channels? etc. I also received some documentation from the company as well, so I made sure that I finished going through that and am not caught up in any surprise.
Started learning Dutch
Ever since I knew I would be coming to the Netherlands, I started spending some time on learning Dutch. There’s been a gap since a couple of months. Getting back to office meant, I got back on the bandwagon. Even though it’s not a formal class, the online version (Duolingo) that I’ve subscribed to is quite effective and I feel I do understand a bit of the language already. Hopefully I’ll be picking it up sooner and would be able to be part of the discussions soon.
Prepared for blogging routine
I started blogging while I did not have a full time job. Now going back to office shouldn’t mean I give up blogging. It’s something I’ve been planning to start for a really long time and I’d like to stick with it with the same intensity if not more. Hence, it’s a no brainer that I need to be ready with my plan and routine about how I’m going to manage it. I so prepared with all that I could. I listed and organised all the ideas I have, took pictures I could have and planned ahead the schedule for a month in advance. I’m sure there will be surprises and I will only know more about my work schedule once I start, however this preparation gives me peace of mind.
Experimented with Meal planning
If there’s been one challenge that impacted me most it’s my meals schedule. Eating has always taken a back seat when it comes to me. Anything else jumps up on the list and eating goes to the back burner. Take my word. This is not a good habit! I’ve paid the price for it and I can tell you with experience, It’s not sustainable. If there’s anything I learned in the time I’ve had for myself. It’s making sure I’m eating at a regular time and eating healthy. So far without a full time job I’ve managed it. I knew this was going to be my biggest challenge once I start again. Making sure that there’s no slip up this time, I looked at possible options for three meals a day on days I’ll be going to work. Preparing the night before is always the best solution. Looked at what are the quick meal yet healthy options. I still am most nervous about it, however I will strive to be the best this time and report back when I’ve spent some time at my full time job.
Drove to work
I’ll be driving to work at least a few times a week and this is a new country for me. Getting used to the routes, traffic and rules is a must. So I took a couple of drives to make myself familiar with the route and the area. Day 1 when I went to office, it certainly came in handy.
Shopped
Going back to office, one other thing I’m excited about is workwear! Even though, I wasn’t sure what the dress code was going to be. In the company guide, it’s not very clear which can be a good thing. Sometimes, a week into it and I am still not sure. It seems, people wear what they like, casuals to strictly formals, I’ve seen all versions. This gives me some leeway to be comfortable in my own style and to also experiment with it.
Yet, well, of course, I shopped! However I was still very restrained. 🙂 I had already bought a few thin knits to prepare for upcoming colder months. I looked for a couple of jackets and coats and trousers to start with. I also got a couple for formal looking pair of shoes, just in case. A black and a tan one.
Treated myself
Lastly, which should‘ve been the first. I gave myself a treat. My Husband and I went to a short trip to Groningen. I talk all about it in my previous post about October Favourites. It was also a trip for my birthday. Since we came to Netherlands, this was our first vacation. Even though it was a short one, it felt nice to just step away from the regular routine and be with each other and with our cat. 🙂 The trip prepared me to just push myself into the work once I was back.
So, this was my list of things I did to prepare myself to go back to office after a gap. I’m curious to know from you. What did you all who were in a similar situation as me did? Or just joining a new job what did you guys do to make yourself ready for work? Do share it in comments below.
