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.

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.

Searching for Purpose as a Work-From-Home Engineer

One thing I noticed during the pandemic was how different work feels when you can clearly see who it helps.

Building online forms that helped people during that time gave me a stronger sense of purpose than I’d felt in a long time.

Work That Felt Meaningful

During the pandemic, I had the opportunity to develop online forms to assist people in need. 

For the first time in a long while, the connection between the work and the people it was helping felt immediate and visible. The forms were practical, simple things—but they helped people access support during a difficult time.

That changed how the work felt. It stopped being abstract tickets, systems, and projects, and became something more human.

What Changed After the Pandemic

Although the pandemic has ended, I'm still working from home as a software engineer. While I'm grateful for the work I do, I'm currently exploring ways to find a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in my work and personal life. My family is my main focus in life, and while I enjoy my hobbies, I've been wondering what my overall purpose is.

After some reflection, I've realized that finding purpose is a journey that requires patience, introspection, and a willingness to take action. Here are some tips that have helped me find meaning and fulfillment in my work and personal life.

What Actually Matters to Me

Reflect on Your Values

For me, family is my top priority. I want to make sure that I'm spending quality time with my loved ones and supporting them in any way I can. What values are most important to you? Take some time to reflect on what matters most to you, and use those values as a compass to guide your decisions and actions.

Set Goals That Align With Your Values

Once you've identified your values, set goals that align with them. For me, this means finding ways to spend more time with my family and being present for the moments that matter. Maybe for you, it's about making a positive impact on the world or pursuing a creative passion. When your goals align with your values, you'll feel more purposeful and fulfilled.

Find Meaning in Your Work

Even if your job is not your primary focus in life, you can still find meaning and purpose in your work. For me, developing online forms that helped people during the pandemic was incredibly rewarding. Now, I try to focus on the positive impact my work is having, even if it's smaller. It's important to recognize the value of your contributions, no matter how big or small.

Pursue Your Hobbies

Hobbies are a great way to find fulfillment outside of work. For me, woodworking and working on cars are my go-to activities. Pursuing hobbies can also provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose, as you learn new skills and create something with your own hands.

Embrace Your Role as a Parent

Finally, as a parent, I know how important my role is in shaping the lives of my children. Being a loving and supportive parent is one of the most purposeful things I can do. Embrace the joys and challenges of parenthood, and let your love for your children inspire you to be the best version of yourself.

Trying to Find Balance

I don’t think purpose is something you suddenly discover once and keep forever.

It changes over time, and often comes from smaller things than we expect—family, useful work, building things, helping people, or simply feeling connected to what we do.

I’m probably still figuring it out.

A lot of this also connects to my thoughts on working from home and how it changes the balance between work and life.

It also links closely to my post on visual thinking and understanding how different people experience work and learning differently.

Technology feels very different when it genuinely helps people.

I spend a lot of time thinking about how systems, services, and digital tools can be made simpler and more useful for the people using them.

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

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.