The Truth About Returning to Work After Time Off: Why It Could Be a Sign Your Ready For ‘What’s Next’.

Have you ever felt that sense of dread creeping in as your leave is quickly coming to an end? The excitement and freedom you’ve experienced during time off quickly shift into anxiety about going back to your current job.

It’s less about the leave and more about what your life could look like when you realise that you don’t have to keep living for the weekends or counting down to your next break.

In fact, the discomfort you feel returning to work is often a sign that something deeper is happening. You’re yearning for something different—something that allows you to have freedom, flexibility, and control over your time.The real question is: Why are we so willing to put our time and energy into a job that doesn’t align with our personal desires?

The Dread of Returning: A Sign You’re Ready for Change

The emotional turmoil you feel before heading back to work after time off is more than just temporary. It’s a clear indicator that you might be outgrowing the traditional 9-to-5 grind. The lifestyle you’ve had on leave, where you could decide what to do with your day, is appealing for a reason.

If this sounds familiar, you might be wondering, “Is it possible to continue living this way, without going back to the office?”

The answer is yes—you can create a lifestyle where you control your time and your business. You don’t have to go back to the same routine that drains you emotionally and mentally.

The Realisation: Design a Business That Fits Your Life

Imagine waking up every morning, knowing that your day is yours to shape. What if instead of feeling trapped by your job, you had the flexibility to structure your business around the life you want?

That’s exactly what many successful entrepreneurs do. They design businesses that allow them to enjoy their personal lives without sacrificing income or growth.

Here’s How You Can Design a Business That Fits Your Life

1. Define Your Desired Lifestyle: Before you create a business, take a step back and define what your ideal lifestyle looks like. How many hours a week do you want to work? Do you want to travel more or have more time for family? What’s the vision for your life?
2. Choose a Flexible Business Model: Once you’ve defined your ideal lifestyle, choose a business model that supports it. Coaching, consulting, and online courses are great options because they offer flexibility. You can run them from anywhere and design your schedule around your personal priorities.
3. Start with Small, Consistent Steps: You don’t need to quit your corporate job overnight. Start by building your business on the side, gradually replacing your corporate income. Set small goals to gain traction and confidence, and then slowly transition to full-time self-employment when you’re ready.

Real Stories: Entrepreneurs Who’ve Made The Leap

I’ve had the privilege of working with corporate professionals who once felt stuck in their jobs. They loved the idea of freedom but weren’t sure how to make it happen. After going through my Transition Out coaching program, they learned how to:

• Replace their corporate income with a flexible business
• Design their days to align with their personal life goals
• Experience the joy of being their own boss while creating a lasting impact

One client of mine, Jane, came to me after a year-long leave. She was dreading returning to her job in HR and knew deep down that she didn’t want to go back. Together, we designed a coaching business that allowed Jane to work from home, travel, and take more time off for family. She now runs a successful business on her own terms.

What’s Next

f you’re sitting here nodding along, feeling the urge to make a change, remember that you don’t have to keep living for weekends and holidays. You can create a business that fits your life, not the other way around.

If you’re ready to take that leap, let’s talk about how we can work together to create a low-risk transition plan from your corporate job to a business that’s designed around your lifestyle and financial goals using the skills and expertise you already have.  Book a Free, No Obligation Call Here.  

The year ahead could be your best year yet!