Dreading Going Back to Work After the Holidays? If the thought of returning to work after the holidays fills you with dread, you’re not alone—and you’re not being dramatic. That sick feeling when you picture Monday morning? It’s your nervous system trying to tell you something important.

In this video, I’ll help you understand why post-holiday work anxiety hits purpose-driven professionals especially hard, and more importantly, what you can do about it. Drawing on 30 years of leadership experience in both corporate and nonprofit sectors, I’ll share three questions to ask yourself to help you understand why you’re feeling like this and four practical, compassionate strategies to help you navigate that first week back without just “pushing through.”

What you’ll learn:
✅ Why your body protests going back to work (hint: it’s not weakness)
✅ Three questions to diagnose whether this is normal re-entry or a warning sign
✅ Four practical coping strategies that actually work (no toxic positivity)
✅ Tiny experiments you can try right now, before you even go back
✅ When dread is data about your workplace, not a personal failure

Timestamps:
00:00 – If you’re dreading going back to work
00:40 – Why this feeling is so common (especially for you)
03:16 – Is this normal dread or a warning sign? Three questions to ask yourself
05:46 – Four practical coping strategies (no toxic positivity)
08:12 – A tiny experiment to try before you go back

WATCH NEXT:
🎥 Thinking About Quitting? Don’t Do It Until You Ask These Seven Questions: https://youtu.be/ZyL1igxFjVI?si=dIZE2krb_JcLHeoS

DIGITAL WORKBOOK:
📥 Download the “Should I Stay or Go?” Workbook here: https://ko-fi.com/s/36b4967751

As a leadership coach and former CEO with 35 years of experience in both corporate and non-profit sectors, I help leaders find purpose, overcome burnout, and navigate change. My mission is to support you in discovering work that brings fulfilment while making a meaningful impact.

📱 CONNECT WITH ME:

🕸️ Website: https://changeout.org
🗞️ Get my weekly newsletter about leadership and work life at: https://www.changeout.org/the-newsletter/
☕️ Buy me a coffee https://ko-fi.com/changeout. Thank you!

⚖️ COMMUNITY GUIDELINES:
We aim to keep this a safe, supportive space.
1. Be kind and constructive.
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DISCLAIMER: The content in this video is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It reflects my personal experiences and perspectives gained from working in the UK nonprofit sector and is not a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

If you need support with workplace issues, leadership challenges, or wellbeing concerns, please consult with qualified professionals including HR advisors, employment lawyers, therapists, or coaches who can provide guidance relevant to your geography, industry, and individual situation.

While I aim to share helpful insights, every workplace and individual is different. What worked in my context may not be appropriate for yours. Please use your judgment and seek professional advice where needed.

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