The workplace in August often takes on a different pace, slower days, and less deadlines before the ramping back up for Autumn. But summer can also create a sense of restlessness in contrast to the chilled holiday vibes many of us try and connect with, leaving work behind for a few days or weeks if we are lucky.
I can remember in past jobs, coming back from a 2-week summer holiday and dreading Monday morning and the ‘back to the grind’. I would often find myself at the end of my holiday wondering what else I could do and if there might be a job out there that would make me excited to come back from holiday and get back to it. That might be creating unrealistic expectations but if you have found yourself reflecting or asking yourself similar questions, perhaps now is a great time to look honestly and reflectively on your current role.
We are now at the end point of August, the bank holiday coming to an end and the ‘back to school’ (whatever your age!) feeling starting to encroach. New plans being made, projects to restart, a slow ramping up for the September return to work. I feel that September is the mid-year reset, more reflective than the ‘I’m going to change my life’ resolutions of January, but an important stage of the working year. Reflect in summer and make changes in Autumn – or at least explore a little bit.
This exploration might be recommitting to the work you are already doing, or it may show a desire to move on and do something different. The best decisions tend to be those that have the luxury of time and reflection rather than a sudden snap decision or reaction. Whilst no job may always be safe, there is value in checking in with our own progression and emotional health at regular points, it is one thing we do have autonomy over and a planned rather than imposed decision must be the better option.
The diagram gives some thinking prompts if you are having thoughts about your job and career direction. They may give you evidence that you are good where you are now, or they may give you cause to reflect on what might be next. They may even start the groundwork for some bigger decisions. Making changes can often start with a slower reflective process – listen, notice, ask yourself some searching questions and see what lands.
