We asked our small business community how they cope with taking time off work and then setting back into self-employment.
Before being away from work, I make sure those who need to know are informed that I’ll be away. This is so important. I then map out priorities for my return that I call my ‘Come Back List’. I then use the Notes app on my phone to jot down anything that comes up or any creative inspiration I get while being away.
I aim to do something first off for me, rather than leaping straight back into emails and checking what others want from me. That usually means checking in on my goals for the week, month or quarter, or if I don’t have anything specific at the particular time, setting them, and then getting on with the rest of the day.
After taking some time off, I usually come back with a clearer perspective on what’s truly important. That’s why, instead of diving straight into emails on my first day back, I start by reviewing my recent tasks and double-checking how well they’re contributing to our actual goals. Honestly, doing this makes those first days back feel surprisingly productive! 🙂
Honestly, getting back into work after time off feels a lot like trying to start a car that’s been parked too long — a little slow, a little hard. For me, it wasn’t just a short break; it was 13 whole years. From being in a full-time job to becoming a full-time mom, and then stepping into freelancing in the booming (and competitive!) digital world… it honestly felt like I’d landed on another planet.
I didn’t try to “power through.” I permitted myself to wobble back in — one pitch, one tool at a time. That’s it. Slowly, the fear softened, the “engine” warmed up, and work started feeling like a rhythm I could trust again.
The truth? You don’t need to return at full speed. Just showing up — even imperfectly — is enough.
Kavita Gulati, Content Writer for Founders, Coaches & Agencies
I map out the week by putting in family commitments first. My natural routine allocates one work priority/topic for each day, so no matter if it’s half an hour or the whole day, I know how to use the time.
If you want to include a comment about getting back into things after maternity leave, I have something.
Slowly and with lots of coffee 🤣 But honestly, it’s about building back up and letting everyone know you are back online again. Joining industry networking events, groups online, and making sure you are up to date with current news/trends. You feel like people have forgotten about you, so I think your voice has to be a little louder and posting regularly on LinkedIn can help.
I get back into work after time off VERY slowly 🙂 I try not to book any calls the first couple of days back so I can ease myself back in gently. I once booked a 9am call for my first day back after a week off and it totally shattered any post-holiday relaxation! So, I learned the hard way and never did that again. I also keep my out of office on for an extra day or two so people aren’t expecting an immediate reply.
Once I’m back in my routine, I’m fine. Otherwise, I feel a bit like my brain’s swimming in treacle.
Linda Harrison, PR specialist: Getting your business in the press to help it grow
This year was a game-changer! After three weeks off, it took only 15 minutes to get caught up, after asking my VA, Helen Martin, to cover my emails.
I look at stuff that needs doing when I get back BEFORE I go away, so there’s no rush on things when I get back and try to put only a few client appointments in my diary the first couple of days back to ease in! (Full disclosure: I don’t always achieve the latter!)
The first day back always feels like too much – every task feels like it’s shouting for your attention. I’ve learnt that it’s less about conquering it all and more about riding out that first day, knowing that tomorrow will feel very different.
I always give myself a bit of a buffer, making sure I don’t schedule any client work to be delivered during my first few days back, because I know my brain won’t be up for it. I got back to work last Wednesday and have my first deadline tomorrow, which gave me a chance to (inevitably) get ill last week, take it easy, relax over the weekend and be ready to go this week! It’s like when we used to go back to school on a Thursday, we all knew we’d never do any work until the following Monday. I find taking a holiday when the rest of the world does (summer/Christmas) makes it easier to ease back into things, as clients aren’t in as much of a rush!
Katie Uniacke, Spanish and Portuguese to English marketing translation and cultural consultancy
I ease back into work. Clear my emails, make lists, prioritise and finish early. There’s no point taking time off to rest if you flog yourself the minute you get back.
I genuinely enjoy what I do, so often I reduce what I’m doing and go on leave, checking in minimally. This way, I don’t feel the ramp-up so much when I come back.
When I’m heading abroad and having a complete break, I make sure I leave with some exciting plans for the week I get back. That might be sketching out something to get started on for my own business, or having set up some catch-ups with interesting people.
I try to use my last day off to check emails and identify the ones that need a quick answer. Then, instead of jumping right in, I take it slowly the first few days. A ‘what did I miss’ call with my colleague is enough to get a sense of the priorities. Early mornings, silence & matcha until I am fully settled into my routine!
Diana Silva Franco, Strategic Communications for Global Impact
Working for myself (data recovery business for 10 years, and my current business here on LinkedIn), I’ve always loved what I’m doing.
So I’ve never needed to take time off. 😊
Peter Sleightholme, Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO) for Your LinkedIn
