Vacation's over, ladies. It's time for the onset of labor pains. Even if you weren't away during the month of August, everyone else was. So, the likelihood is that work was slow, the torrent of e-mail had turned into a trickle, and leaving work early, unseen by a vacationing boss, was a sunny possibility. But now, it's back to business. Post Labor Day, we stop wearing open-toed shoes and start wearing darker colors, while working longer or harder hours...or both. Jane ponders, how can one make the transition from summer to autumn seem a little less off-putting?
Let's start with the slightly superficial. Jane has opined at length in a previous column about wearing nylons. Listen, girlfriend, if you had the temerity to drop your pantyhose for the summer, keep 'em off. The pleasure of open air legs can keep one feeling fresh and summery well into the fall. And as long as you are ditching the hose, those open-toed shoes can stay in the picture as well, in Jane's fashionable humble opinion. Just make sure the tootsies are well-pedicured. Furthermore, keep your fall wardrobe perky with bright colors. Jane's noticed a lot of yellow at the U.S. Open this week. Could this portend a fall fashion trend? She hopes so. Bright colors can lift anyone's mood.
Of course, a pleasant wardrobe may make you feel better, but it doesn't make the autumn workload any lighter. As contradictory as it may seem, the key to making the transition back to full-on work is to take it slow. Don't let those hundreds of daily e-mails overwhelm you and keep you from your other work. Designate set times when you will go through your in-box in depth, as opposed to checking it every few minutes. This strategy will keep you productive, yet unfettered.
One or two days a week, get to work before everyone else does or stay a few hours after closing time. You'll find those undistracted hours much more productive. That may enable you to work fewer hours the next day.
Keep the summer going. After work, schedule a tennis match, or a spa treatment, or a happy hour. On weekends, leave the office at the office. And remember, many hotels in big cities offer autumn specials on weekends. By taking regular mini-vacations throughout the season, fall doesn't have to mean the end of summer fun.
