Growth coach Asta Raudonienė has addressed the common psychological phenomenon experienced when individuals return to work following a period of rest. She warns against making hasty decisions and clarifies the underlying biological mechanisms governing our mental state post-vacation. Raudonienė explains that the desire to abruptly quit a job immediately after returning from a break is often linked to a sudden, predictable biological and emotional shift.
During time away, the brain is exposed to novel stimuli, leading to an increase in dopamine levels and a corresponding drop in the stress hormone cortisol. This temporary state of reduced stress and high novelty creates a significant contrast with the established routines of the workplace. When employees transition back to their regular duties, the system experiences a noticeable shock.
Rather than interpreting this shift as a return to a familiar pattern, the brain can defensively process the environment as unfamiliar or stressful. This misinterpretation triggers a powerful, instinctual reaction—a desire to escape the perceived discomfort, which can manifest as an intense urge to quit the job. This pattern is contributing to growing issues, such as teacher burnout.
Raudonienė advises recognizing that this intense reaction is not necessarily a reflection of the job itself, but rather a physiological adjustment period. Understanding this cycle—the contrast between the restorative experience and the structured return—is key to managing expectations and preventing burnout after a period away.
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