I'd Like to Stay on Vacation a Bit Longer
Psychologist Nina Crnogorac Šabić describes post-vacation syndrome and reveals the key sign that distinguishes passing discomfort from deeper job dissatisfaction.
Psychologist Nina Crnogorac Šabić describes post-vacation syndrome and reveals the key sign that distinguishes passing discomfort from deeper job dissatisfaction.
The final days of annual leave are, for many, marked by nostalgia and growing tension. Instead of fully savoring the remaining free moments, their thoughts already drift toward work obligations and the first day back. That first day often then greets them with fatigue and irritability, completely opposite to the expected energetic return. However, psychologist Nina Crnogorac Šabić assures that such a reaction is entirely natural.
The technical term for this transient state is post-vacation syndrome. It refers to a brief adjustment period after time off during which dissatisfaction, irritability, or even mild anxiety may arise.
"On vacation, we had a lovely time. We were free of major obligations, we rested, spent time with loved ones, and enjoyed ourselves. After that comes the adjustment back to regular duties and activities, so it's not unusual for people to think, 'I'd like to stay on vacation a bit longer' or 'I don't feel like going back to work.' The good news is that this adjustment usually lasts very briefly," explained Crnogorac Šabić.
She adds that these are mostly mild symptoms that do not significantly impact daily functioning. "People quickly readjust to their usual work rhythm and continue to function normally," the psychologist emphasizes.
However, how we experience the end of our vacation can reveal more than just passing discomfort. The psychologist stresses that the intensity of resistance to returning is directly linked to how we feel in our workplace.
"If we do a job we love, if we are satisfied with relationships with colleagues, superiors, and working conditions, the return will be much easier. Of course, we don't want our vacation to end, but it's not a problem to start working again. On the other hand, if relationships at work are poor, if we are under great pressure, or generally dissatisfied with the job we do, then the resistance to returning will be significantly greater. In that case, the problem isn't the end of vacation, but how we feel at work," explained Crnogorac Šabić.
One of the most common mistakes people make is mentally burdening themselves too early with the obligations that await them. Crnogorac Šabić compares this to the familiar Sunday evening feeling, when many already mourn the weekend even though they still have free time ahead.
"We do this on weekends too. Already on Sunday evening, we think about how the weekend is over, even though we still have part of our free time ahead. There's no point in stressing ourselves out in advance. While the vacation lasts, we should use it and be present in the moment," she advises.
Although there is no magic wand to instantly make post-vacation syndrome disappear, the psychologist believes the key lies in changing our mindset and consciously redirecting our focus. Instead of thinking about what we lost when vacation ended, it's more useful to remind ourselves of the value our job brings.
"It's important to remind ourselves how important our job is and that through it we achieve many things in life. Unfortunately, we can't be on vacation all the time. That's why it's good to refocus on everyday life as soon as possible and try to make it as pleasant as possible, even though the period of complete rest has ended," concluded Crnogorac Šabić.
