Back to School, Back to Work: Embracing the End of Summer and Reestablishing Your Work Routine

The end of summer—when the long, lazy days by the pool are replaced with school bells ringing and the rush of morning routines. For parents who work remotely, this transition is often bittersweet. The ease of summer, where work and play blurred together, is now shifting back into a more structured routine. Gone are the days of squeezing in work between beach trips and ice cream runs. Instead, it’s time to dust off those planners, stock up on school supplies, and get back to balancing work emails with packing lunches. If you’re feeling a mix of relief and nostalgia as the season changes, you’re definitely not alone. It’s time to embrace the new rhythm that comes with the back-to-school season and find a groove that works for both your family and your career.

Finding Your New Routine

As the school year kicks off, it's crucial to establish a routine that allows you to balance your work-from-home responsibilities with your children's school schedules. This might seem overwhelming at first—especially after the freewheeling days of summer—but with some planning, you can create a routine that works for everyone.

1. Create a Morning Game Plan:

Mornings can be the most chaotic part of the day, especially when trying to get kids out the door while prepping for your workday. Start by setting a consistent wake-up time that allows you enough space to manage both your tasks and your children’s needs. Consider making lunches and laying out clothes the night before to minimise the morning rush. Also, carving out 10-15 minutes for yourself—whether it’s enjoying a quiet cup of coffee or a quick morning meditation—can help set a positive tone for the day.

2. Set Boundaries Between Work and Home Life:

Working from home blurs the lines between professional and personal life. With the kids back in school, now’s the perfect time to re-establish those boundaries. Set clear working hours and stick to them as closely as possible. Let your children know when you’re “at work,” even if you’re still in the house. Consider using visual cues, like a closed door or a “Do Not Disturb” sign, to indicate when you’re busy and shouldn’t be interrupted. After work hours, make a conscious effort to unplug and be fully present with your family.

3. Align Your Schedule with School Activities:

As a remote worker, you often have more control over your schedule. Use this flexibility to align your work hours with your children’s school activities. For example, if your kids have extracurricular activities in the late afternoon, plan to finish your workday earlier so you can be there to support them. Similarly, if you know you’ll need to help with homework or attend school events, adjust your workload accordingly. By syncing your schedule with your children’s, you can be more present in both your professional and parental roles.

4. Use the Time Wisely:

With the kids at school, you have more uninterrupted hours to focus on work. Use this time wisely by tackling your most challenging tasks when you’re at your peak productivity. Whether you’re most alert in the morning or find your stride in the afternoon, plan your day around those peak hours to maximise your efficiency. Without the distractions of summer, you may find that you can get more done in less time, freeing up your evenings for family time or self-care.

5. Staying Connected:

It’s easy to feel isolated as a remote worker, especially when your social interactions during the day are limited to virtual meetings. Now that summer’s over and the kids are back in school, make an effort to stay connected with your colleagues and other remote workers. Join online communities, attend virtual networking events, or schedule regular video calls with coworkers to maintain those professional connections.

6. Embrace the Change:

While the transition from summer to school season can be challenging, it’s also an opportunity to refresh your routine and bring more balance to your life. Embrace the structure that comes with the school year, and use it as a chance to refocus on your career goals while being there for your family. By planning ahead, setting boundaries, and staying connected, you can smoothly transition into this new season and find success in both your work and home life.

As summer fades and the school year begins, the shift back to routine doesn’t have to be daunting. By establishing clear boundaries, aligning your work schedule with your family’s needs, and making the most of your focused work time, you can create a harmonious balance between your professional and personal life. Embrace this new chapter with intention and flexibility, and you’ll find that both your career and your family life can thrive in tandem. The back-to-school season is not just about getting back to routine; it’s an opportunity to refine how you manage your remote work and home life, setting the stage for a productive and fulfilling year ahead.