Are we really back at work?

Are we though? Really?

As I write this, it’s Friday 9th January 2026 and officially—well, not officially—I’ve been “back at work” for about a week. Along with a whole lot of other people I know. And yet… it feels like I’ve got one foot firmly planted in work mode, while the other foot is still stretched out on a deck chair, sunnies on, cold drink in hand, refusing to budge.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m doing all the right things.

I’m up early. I’m listening to my “work” podcasts and my carefully curated “this will absolutely motivate me” Spotify playlist. I’ve got intentionality. Focus. Vision. My head is bursting with incredible, educationally engaging ideas. I can see the flow of my workday. I can hear the uplifting emails I’m going to send. I’m already mentally drafting exciting new (and improved, obviously) programmes and workshops to share with my educational community. I’m planning phone calls to colleagues to wish them a Happy New Year and reconnect.

In my head? It’s an Absolutely Fabulous workday.

And honestly, that’s why I do what I do. I love it.

But here’s the reality.

I get home. Work foot is committed. Laptop out. Email inbox open. Old-school me sets up the paperwork—lists, pens, notebook, the whole shebang. I’m ready. I’m thinking, “Right. Next 3–4 hours. Let’s smash this list.”

Emails? Done. ✔️

Then… my holiday foot pipes up.

“While you’re here, maybe just put a load of washing on.”

“Actually, while you’re down this end of the house, you might as well check what’s for dinner.”

“Ohhh, probably need to pop to the supermarket.”“And while you’re there… Paper Plus.”

“And The Warehouse.” “Because resources.”

“Because professional development.”

“Because obviously this is still work.”

You see where this is going.

My point is—it’s a slow grind getting back into work. The sun is shining. People are still on holiday. We’ve got daylight savings on our side. And deep down, we still want to chill. We want beaches and rivers, parks and catch-ups, coffees that turn into lunches, and “quick trips” that take all afternoon.

It’s the Kiwi in us.

And yet… we’re still doing the mahi.

Because we’re professionals. Because we care. Because in Education, the work doesn’t just stop.

We’re setting up environments. Reflecting on policies and procedures. Planning for the year ahead. Preparing for our tamariki. Welcoming new tamariki and whānau. Reconnecting as teams and communities. Slowly, surely, gently—we’re getting there.

And by the time February rolls around? We’ll be in full flight again. Doing our thing. Being the incredible kaiako, leaders, managers, principals, teams, and colleagues that we are.

As for me? It’s taken until 1:34pm today to get both feet properly back into work mode. I’ve crossed a few things off my list. Added a few more (classic). Given myself a pat on the back—and a whole lot of grace—for easing back into things.

Because here’s the truth: work doesn’t really stop. Even when we set the best boundaries, it sits quietly in the background of our psyche. Sometimes whispering. Sometimes nudging. Occasionally tapping us on the shoulder when we’re trying to switch off.

Not always in a bad way. Not even an annoying way.

It’s just who we are.

Teachers. Educators. Kaiako. Leaders. Doers.

We get stuff done. We think constantly about teaching, impact, learning, and how to give our tamariki the very best of us—and the very best opportunities. It’s what we do.

But we must also holiday. Rest. Pause. Sit in the sun. Be with whānau and friends. Wander beaches, rivers, parks, and lakes. Eat the cake. Drink the coffee.

It’s okay to take the week. It’s okay to be an incredible kaiako and still have one foot in holiday mode.

If that’s you—come join me in this mindset for at least the next couple of days.

.

Because come Monday 12th January…

I'm back, baby.

Kings Cliff Beach, NSW. A must do. Take me back.