Switching Off from Work Properly: My Holiday Routine (Even at Home)

When I take time off work, I take it seriously. Whether I'm heading away or having a holiday at home, I disconnect completely—and unapologetically. Working in IT, the lines between “on” and “off” can easily blur, especially when you have access to everything from your phone or laptop. But over time, I’ve learned that proper rest requires firm boundaries. So I’ve built a routine that helps me truly switch off, and here’s how I do it.

Switching off from work properly—especially when working in IT or from home—is harder than it sounds, but it’s essential for avoiding burnout and staying effective long-term. 

These are the practical steps I use to fully disconnect from work during time off.

1. Set Clear Out-of-Office Boundaries

I don’t send vague “I’ll get back to you when I return” messages. My out-of-office email reply makes it clear:
I am out of the office and cannot be reached.

I also provide the correct route for urgent support—usually pointing people to the help desk or main IT contact number. I do this for two reasons:

• I’m not being paid to monitor or respond to work while on holiday.

• There are capable teams in place to handle things without me.

Being clear sets expectations and removes the pressure to keep one foot in work mode.

2. Turn Off Work Notifications Completely

I don’t want work chats pinging me while I’m off, especially from apps that live on my personal phone. So I switch off Teams notifications entirely. If it’s urgent, people can go through the proper channels (which, spoiler: they rarely need to).

3. Power Down Your Work Laptop (and Put It Away)

When my holiday starts, I shut down my work laptop completely and physically put it away. Not just out of sight—but out of reach.
This sends a signal to myself: I am not working. I am not available. I’m off.

4. Avoid Your Work Space During Time Off

During workdays, my home office is where I sit and focus. But during time off, I avoid that space completely. I’ve learned that just being in that chair or at that desk can trick my brain into “work mode.” So I reclaim the boundary by physically distancing myself.

If I do need to use a computer—maybe to watch something, browse, or sort personal files—I’ll grab my MacBook and head to another room. That machine has no connection to work, and using it elsewhere helps reinforce the feeling of being off-duty.

5. Why Fully Disconnecting from Work Matters

I believe it's good practice to disconnect completely. Not half-on, not checking emails in the evening, not just “keeping an eye” on things. Fully off.

Because I’m not being paid to think about work while I’m on holiday. And frankly, thinking about it doesn’t help anyone—least of all me.

In many workplaces, constant availability is expected—but it often leads directly to stress, burnout, and reduced effectiveness. But more than that, taking time for myself is a boundary I’ve chosen—and I stand by it.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re going abroad or taking a quiet break at home, you deserve time that is yours. The emails can wait. The messages can go to someone else. And the world won’t stop spinning if you don’t check in.

My routine may sound strict, but it gives me the space to recharge. And every time I stick to it, I’m reminded: rest isn’t something I need to earn—it’s something I’m entitled to.

If you’re working with systems that don’t quite match how people actually use technology today, I spend a lot of time helping simplify and improve how things work.

You can take a look at my TechFix service if that sounds familiar.

From Office Desks to Bar Stools: How Computing Changed How We Work

Sitting here in this lively bar, I’ve got my laptop in front of me, a beer to my right, and a cosy buzz of conversation and music in the air. It’s one of my favourite ways to spend an afternoon—writing, reflecting, and soaking up the human energy around me. There’s something wonderful about being surrounded by people, watching the neon lights glow and dance off the bar's bottles, all while tapping away on my keyboard.

The way we use computers has changed dramatically—from fixed office setups to fully mobile, connected devices that allow us to work from anywhere.

How Computing Used to Work

It’s hard not to step back and appreciate how far we’ve come. When I started working with computers, they were anchored to office desks—big, boxy towers paired with CRT monitors, a wired keyboard, and a clunky mouse. There was no internet, no sense of mobility. That machine, likely a 286, was plugged firmly into a 13-amp socket, designed solely for crunching numbers on spreadsheets or typing up documents.

Working Anywhere: The Modern Reality

Now, here I am. My keyboard and screen are combined into one sleek device that runs on battery power for hours. I’m connected to the world through a hotspot on my phone, and I can work from literally anywhere—be it an office, a coffee shop, or, in this case, a festive bar on a Friday afternoon.

Technology and Human Connection

As Christmas draws near, the bar is filling up. People are getting ready for their holiday nights out, their laughter and excitement building as the evening progresses. Every person here is carrying a tiny, powerful computer in their pocket—a smartphone with a camera that captures the memories of the night in vivid, sharable detail. In real-time, these moments are sent off into the ether, to social media platforms or private group chats. A snippet of their night, immortalized in a digital file.

It’s astonishing to think about. Not long ago, documenting a night like this might have required a bulky camcorder or a dedicated camera. Now, it’s as simple as a tap on a screen. And for many, this seamless recording and sharing of life feels utterly normal—so normal that it barely registers as remarkable.

But I can’t help pausing to appreciate the bigger picture. I think about the transformation of human connection—how far we’ve come from those static office computers. The tools we use to connect and communicate have evolved beyond what we could have imagined. Even if you’re not out tonight, you’re likely at home streaming music or watching a movie on your smart TV—another testament to how deeply digital technology has woven itself into our lives.

And here I am, sitting in a bar, enjoying this moment of quiet reflection amidst the buzz, writing about it all. This, too, will become a digital artefact—a blog post shared with the world, contributing to the endless stream of content that connects us.

So as the night unfolds and this place gets busier, I’ll raise my glass to how far we’ve come and to the exciting ways we continue to connect and share our stories.

Cheers to technology, humanity, and the holiday season ahead.

If work is starting to feel overwhelming or harder to switch off from, you’re not alone.

I spend a lot of time helping simplify systems and reduce unnecessary complexity.

You can take a look at my TechFix service if that sounds familiar.

Finding the Balance Between Remote Work and Office Life

When I made the shift to working from home, it was like discovering a hidden treasure in my own house. For years now, my study—tucked away upstairs—has been my primary workspace, where peace and quiet reign, and where I can focus on coding and problem-solving without the usual office interruptions. 

Remote working has transformed how we approach productivity, but finding the right balance between working from home and time in the office is still evolving.

The Benefits of Remote Working

Becoming remote wasn’t just a necessary change during Covid; it turned into an unexpected gift. I found myself enjoying the flexibility, the time I got back, and the boost in productivity that comes from being able to focus without distraction. In this cocoon of solitude, I felt more connected to my work and more empowered in my own space.

There’s a certain clarity that comes with remote work, especially for someone like me, a software developer who needs deep concentration and focus to get into the flow. The lack of commute, the comfort of home, and the ability to work undisturbed are all benefits that have helped me thrive. The “come back to the office” chorus, often led by those who prefer to have their teams in sight, doesn’t hold the same allure for me. Productivity speaks for itself; results are measurable. When the work is getting done, and getting done well, it’s easy to question whether office presence is truly necessary. In fact, I’m sure the productivity equation tilts heavily in favour of those quiet hours at home, uninterrupted.

The Reality of Office Days

Yet recently, I’ve started going into the office one day a week, just to see if maybe there’s a side to in-office work I’ve been missing. The shift has been... interesting, a mix of unexpected downsides and delightful surprises. True, my productivity dips on these office days. The environment can be distracting compared to my quiet home setup, and the pace doesn’t quite match that of a dedicated day in my study. But what I’ve found—and perhaps even rediscovered—is the joy of in-person connection.

The Value of Human Connection

Stepping out the door a little earlier, hopping on a bus, and taking a brisk walk to the office stirs a sense of nostalgia. There’s something refreshingly grounding about leaving the house with a purpose, joining the ebb and flow of people heading to work, and the slow hum of the city waking up. Once there, I get to see colleagues not as tiny, pixelated faces on a screen, but in full, 3D, real-life presence. Today, I even ran into a few people I hadn’t seen in ages, some of whom I’d never even met face-to-face until now. It was strange and wonderful, and yes, there’s a certain buzz, a dopamine kick that can’t be replicated over a video call.

I even enjoyed the mid-morning escape from the desk, ducking out for a sandwich and smoothie, a small ritual that felt indulgent, even celebratory. The office itself was nearly silent—ironic, given that most people are still working from home—but in the quiet, there was a soft reminder of why we all do this work together. As I left at four, with the familiar anticipation of a pub meet-up, I felt a balance I hadn’t in a while. Sitting with a pint at the end of the day, typing this post and waiting for a friend, I can feel that strange joy of shared space and human contact.

Maybe there’s no “best” way to work; perhaps it’s about embracing the mix. I’ll always love my quiet, productive days in the study, the freedom remote work offers, and the way it lets me dive deep without distraction. But these occasional office days add a welcome splash of colour, a reminder of community and connection. And maybe that’s the sweet spot: a life where flexibility reigns, where both the solitude and the soft buzz of connection can coexist, each enriching the other in its own quiet way.

Today, I feel grateful for both worlds and the freedom to choose. Life feels balanced—and right now, the world feels like it’s in a good place.

Work has changed, but many systems and processes haven’t quite caught up with how people actually work today.

I spend a lot of time helping simplify and improve how things work in practice.

You can take a look at my TechFix service if that sounds familiar.

How Working from Home Changed My Life

One thing working from home changed for me was the relationship between work, time, and everyday life.

Living in rural Aberdeenshire, removing the daily commute gave me back hours of time and a much calmer way of working.

Getting Time Back

I used to spend a lot of time commuting to work, but now I can enjoy breakfast with my family and help my kids with their homework after school. I also attend more of their extracurricular activities, like sports games.

Creating a Better Working Environment

I used to dread the daily commute to and from work, but now I no longer have to deal with rush hour traffic or other stressors associated with the traditional office environment. I can work in a quiet, comfortable environment that I've tailored to my needs, which has significantly reduced my stress levels.

More Control Over the Day

One unexpected benefit of working from home was how much unnecessary friction disappeared from everyday life.

Without the daily commute, I gained back both time and energy. The day felt calmer and less fragmented without rushing to get out the door, sitting in traffic, buying lunch, or organising everything around travelling to and from an office.

I also found I had more control over how I worked. Being able to focus in a quieter environment, take breaks when needed, and structure the day more naturally reduced a lot of background stress that I probably hadn’t fully noticed before.

For me, working from home wasn’t just about productivity—it was about creating a way of working that felt more balanced and sustainable.

Another thing that changed was the nature of collaboration itself. A large part of my day is now spent on Teams calls with colleagues in India, Latvia, London, and the US.

At that point, commuting into an office just to spend the day on remote calls starts to feel slightly disconnected from the way modern work actually happens.

The work is already distributed, digital, and location-independent. Working from home simply aligns more naturally with that reality.

What I’d Struggle to Give Up

Working from home isn’t perfect, and I understand why some people prefer office environments.

But for me, having more control over my environment, time, and balance has fundamentally changed how I think about work.

I’d struggle to go back to losing hours each day commuting.

A lot of this also connects to my thoughts on meaningful work and purpose.

It also links closely to how I’ve tried simplifying digital organisation using systems like PARA and Todoist.

Good systems and environments can make everyday work feel much calmer and more manageable.

I spend a lot of time simplifying digital tools, workflows, and working environments to reduce unnecessary friction.

You can take a look at my TechFix service if that sounds useful.

Imagining Life in 2040 (Written in 2018)

I wrote this in 2018 as a thought experiment about where technology, automation, energy, and society might eventually lead us.

Some parts now feel unrealistic, some accidentally feel quite close to reality, and some say more about the anxieties of the time than the future itself.

Technology Takes Over Everyday Life

I have a fully electric car now. It's good for what it is. Not much fun to drive, all roads in the UK enforce the speed limit automatically through auto management systems. 60mph is the maximum you can go on a good day. I say on a good day because depending on the weather the limit is reduced.

If it rains it's 40mph. It doesn't really matter as you don't actually do anything in a car anymore. You tell your personal assistant where you need to be and when you need to get there and they take care of the rest.

When it's time to leave your assistant tells you to get in the car. I don't travel by car much anymore, everyone works at home now. Most former service jobs are taken care of by bots. I'm partly responsible for this being a software engineer. I helped develop the first delivery bot. Amazon pushed the boundary further and got delivery of prime-down to 2 hours. All cities have an amazon warehouse.

Food is manufactured on our 3D printer, endorsed by Jamie Oliver. It's a clever device. Tesco spent a lot of money developing it. It's funny not only can't I speed in my car but I'm prevented from getting fat by my Tesco 3d printer. My personal assistant tracks my health and Tesco adjusts the nutritional value of my meals.

The average life expectancy now is 120 years of age. A good diet and excellent medical service mean that we are all living much longer. I am "still working", No one retires anymore. The government scrapped the state pension a few years ago.

The Trade-Offs

The big electric companies no longer exist. They missed a trick when Tesla started producing solar roof tiles. Most UK houses are self-sufficient in their power generation. All they need comes from their house roofs. The demand is much lower and houses now run a much safer 5v supply which covers all lights and appliances in the house.

The only exception is car charging points. The supply for this is quite high and dangerous at 1200v dc. Car manufacturers had done quite well getting the range to 500 miles and a charge time of 15 minutes, but with the demise of the national grid charge times at home increased to 48 hours. It means most people don't travel far anymore.

With electric cars and hydrogen commercial vehicles big oil didn't run out more than become in less demand. As a result, the price went back up for a short period which pushed the last remaining cars off the road and reduced demand for oil even more.

Commercial flights are a big problem globally. The solution to green air travel has not been found yet so only short distances can be traveled in the new hydrogen planes. The long haul is a thing of the past. If you want to travel further than former Europe you need to take multiple flights or travel by sea. The USA is all but cut off from the rest of the world with planes not capable of traveling across the Atlantic. Volcanoes in Iceland make a landing there unsafe for the past decade now.

Traveling by sea is the only option. This can now take up to 10 days with the return of sailboats. Not the small wooden ones that were pushed along by the wind, but rather turbines attached to giant floating platforms. With prevailing wind only in one direction means the turbines face the wind and the maritime electrical generators turn propellers.

International communications have also been affected. Satellites have literally been falling out of the sky. This was planned as part of the normal lifecycle as they gradually move closer to earth and burn up in the atmosphere. The problem has been replacing them. Currently, we have no means to carry a payload into space. Lack of rocket fuel, safety concerns, and funding problems meant that satellites were never replaced. No more sky Tv. In some ways, this may be a blessing.

What I Find Interesting Looking Back

So yea 2040 is an ok place to be. It's certainly different from the 2020s. We still have blue skies, and the grass is still green. Local villages have shops and pubs that have reopened. You can drink and drive again. The local shop has 3D printers. Without the ability or need to travel far I know all my neighbors and see them almost every day. Work-life balance is good. Families stay together in their local community too like in the old days.

Looking back now, what interests me most is that many of these imagined changes were really about trade-offs rather than technological progress alone.

The world became more automated and efficient, but also smaller, slower, and more local.

Reading this back now, it feels less like a prediction and more like a snapshot of the kinds of technological and societal changes people were thinking about in 2018.

Some of it now feels unlikely, some surprisingly plausible, and some probably says more about human behaviour than technology itself.

Some of these ideas also connect to my thoughts on technology overcomplication and how automation can sometimes remove the human side of systems.

It also links closely to my reflections on working from home and how technology changes our relationship with place and community.

Technology often changes society in ways we don’t fully predict at the time.

I spend a lot of time thinking about how systems, automation, and technology shape everyday life—and how they can be simplified where possible.

You can take a look at my TechFix service if that resonates.