If you’ve ever worked from home for a significant amount of time, you know that going back to office life can be a shock. From having to wear pants to not being able to access the fridge all day long, getting back into office mode is challenging.
After working from home for almost a year, I went back to office life in my dream career. Although I love what I do, the transition was not without challenges. I had to re-learn getting accustomed to morning commutes, dressing professionally again (read: wearing pants and applying make-up), and actually leaving my home for longer than I had for a while.
Thankfully, I learnt so much from this transition, that it turned out to be one of the best changes I’ve experienced in my career. If you’re going through it, or thinking about it, here are a few tips you can glean from my experience:
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Mindset first!
It all starts with mindset! Whatever the reason behind your return to office life after working from home for some time, make sure to be mentally ready and prepared for it. For you, it may be going back to the office after being laid off, or after a maternity or sick leave, or even after running your own business from home for a while. Regardless of the motive behind it, it’s still a significant transition you should pay attention to, especially if you’re taking it as a failure:
- Give yourself some time and room to process this transition. If you’re spiritual, you may pray or meditate about it.
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member about it to get another viewpoint.
- Let go of any negative thought or sense of failure associated with the prospect of going back to office life.
Related: How to develop a hustle mindset at work
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Make a lifestyle change
Going back to office life after working from home for some time is a lifestyle change. It’s not just about getting back to commuting and wearing pants, although that will be involved as well. It’s also about changing your daily routine in a way that works for you and your loved ones, especially as a working woman and mom.
Related: Tips from the most successful women to hack your morning routine
Popular wisdom has it that it takes about 21 days to adopt or change a new habit. Take the time you need, preferably before you return to office life, to cement your new habits and schedule. It’s also helpful to talk to your spouse and loved ones, and get their support through this transition.
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Plan for it
Planning is not only necessary as you prepare to get back to office life, it’s actually crucial. From planning your wardrobe, to structuring your days and weeks ahead in advance, it will take some time, resources and energy to prepare for it.
Related: Why you need a career plan
A few weeks prior to returning to a cubicle or office, consider making a list of everything you will need. Make a list of people to reach out to, and coordinate with in order to accommodate your new schedule and obligations. As a working mom, don’t neglect to plan for additional childcare or help with the household chores, as your time will be more limited.
All in all, getting back to office life after working from home for some time is a process that requires mindset, lifestyle and planning changes. While it can be challenging, it’s one that you can grow through and learn a lot from.
How have you transitioned from working from home to office life?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
