Nine weeks back

Nine weeks ago I returned to work, as planned, after a twelve-month career break. People have been asking how it feels, so this is both a public answer and a note for Future Pete.

# How do I feel about the career break being over?

When asked, the break has been easy to describe as one of the best things I have ever done. Blogging some of it and taking plenty of photographs was worthwhile, because last July and August already feel like a lifetime ago.

The overwhelming feeling is still gratitude. That was true on the last day of the break, and it remains true now.

# How do I feel about my new role?

Back in the same department at the same company, there is a comforting familiarity. Some folks have left, and some folks have joined. That’s expected and it’s really nice.

The role itself is less senior, and that has been a joy. Feedback loops are shorter, and there is plenty of room to bring experience to the work. The team I lead is focussed on CI/CD, which feels incredibly important at a time when more people are making changes to software at a rate I’ve never seen before. Generative AI is everywhere today compared with June 2025, which has taken a little getting used to.

Being back at work is really enjoyable, which seems to surprise the people who’ve asked about it. It has even surprised me a little!

# Am I doing anything differently?

Returning to full-time work has been more tiring than expected. The first few weekends saw unplanned naps in the armchair.

A few habits from the year off have proven worth keeping, including taking D to athletics training on a Monday, and taking him to school on a Friday, when the coffee van is there.

The two commute days are for reading books, when there is space on public transport, that is. I Am Ozzy is the current read, just over a year after he died and I found myself visiting a bunch of the Black Sabbath sites around Birmingham, including Black Sabbath Bridge.

I am conscious that many people in my industry are looking for work right now, which makes having a job, and one that is really engaging, feel like something to be tremendously grateful for.