Holiday resolutions – full of good intentions and emphatic declarations of how things will be different but how long does it take for them to be broken?
In my experience…. a couple of hours…. then the familiar feeling of never having been away sets in *sigh*
This time I decided to try approaching my return to work rather like an extension of my holiday. It has many similar features after all. Not convinced? Well lets look at the evidence……
Packing
The night before I pack my work rucksack, sadly It’s not nearly as exciting as actual holiday packing. For a start there’s no inflatable unicorn drinks holder. However it does contain the same essentials – a form of ID, portable air con in the form of my lovely Spanish fan, a variety of snacks and money, well at least a card that’s been paid off this month. I think…
The fragmented night before sleep
I wake up. Again. It’s 5.20am, it’s dark and I suddenly realise that my alarm has been set to 6.30am instead of 6.00am?!? I leave at 6.45am for my train. Horror of horrors I could’ve slept in! Thank goodness I woke up except now I have 40mins before I actually needed to be up and I’m proper awake. Oh joy. Yes the sleep before you head off on hols is pretty much the same as that the night before heading back to work. Rubbish!
The journey
I have no pre allocated seat and there’s no drinks trolley bringing me gin (this is a work commute people, not the time zone freedom that international air travel permits!)
I do however have my own entertainment system in the form of noise cancelling headphones, podcasts and music. Sometimes the white noise of people snoring or tapping on their phones can be perfectly pleasant too. Rather like the background hum of a plane. Must not fall asleep. Must not fall asleep. Zzzzzzzzzzz
You have reached your destination!
The destination
It’s bright and sunny as I arrive at the Costa del Larbert. I see some people outside enjoying the ‘fresh air’. The aroma of freshly ground coffee and muffins greats me as I walk through the doors. White washed walls of the building remind me of the Mediterranean. Yes, my brain is beginning to fall for this being just like on holiday. I wonder if I’ll have any messages……
The welcome pack
Good morning Dr Copeland – you have 204 new emails. That is so nice! I bet it’s all good news.
Ooooo – what’s this? An animated email trail. I forgot to pack my holiday read so lets see what’s this about. Right…. They said what?….. . So I said…… And then he said…. And then I was like ‘no way’ …. So I said to her…. And she said…… And then…… Lol, a winky face emoji…..
Well I’m glad that didn’t escalate and everyone is still talking to each other.
I best head to the where all the action is – off to the ward.
Good morning welcome meeting
Hello everyone and welcome to sunny Costa Del Larbert. It’s great here – lots to see and do. On that note Mr X fell last night and doesn’t seem quite himself. The family of Miss B wants to speak to you. And can I ask who’s covering….
Beep, beep, beep
It’s my welcome back page – how many have phoned in sick? Well that is a problem….
Back to reality
While all this is going on my brain keeps popping up ‘Club Tropicana’ while I wait for the computer to load or the person to pick up the phone. I smile at the ridiculousness of it all.
Holidays are, by design, a break from reality. A chance to recharge and switch off from work. However today tells me that by injecting some of my holiday mood into everyday work life, occasionally there is fun and sunshine. To be honest all that’s missing is the sea….
Sparklystar55 