The lingering effects of Tet (Lunar New Year) and the reluctance to return to work.

After the long Lunar New Year holiday in 2026, everyone quickly returned to their daily lives. However, many young people are still daydreaming, not yet ready to return to the routine. This mindset not only affects young people still in university but also impacts a significant portion of young people in the workforce, especially those working in office jobs.

Going to work with your mind "in the clouds".

During the first working days of the new year, Nguyen Vu Thao Yen (27 years old, residing in Ho Chi Minh City, a marketing employee in the food industry) felt distracted and unfocused as she constantly recalled her spring trips, fun parties with friends and family.

Thảo Yên said she found it difficult to concentrate on work, and her work performance decreased significantly. “Even while working, I was constantly thinking about where I would go next, most recently visiting temples during the Lunar New Year or planning long trips for the summer. Many times, I would open my computer to work, but instead I would browse websites introducing destinations, selling clothes, and accessories for travel… I know this negatively impacts my work, but I can’t stop, it’s like I haven’t ‘escaped’ the carefree feelings of the Tet holiday,” Thảo Yên shared.

The lingering effects of the long holiday are drawing young people back to work.

Not only do some young people go to work with a "euphoric" mood, preoccupied with thoughts of their next trip, but the period right after the holiday is also the ideal time to travel domestically and internationally. Believing that life is about experiences and youth is a time to enjoy, Nguyen Minh Tan (29 years old, residing in Ho Chi Minh City, a software engineer) is willing to take extra days off to "pack his bags and go" after Tet.

Minh Tan expressed: “I chose this option because traveling at this time is usually cheaper than during Tet (Lunar New Year). Moreover, honestly, even if I went back to work now, I wouldn't be in the right frame of mind, and my work would be less efficient. So, I chose to live life to the fullest in my youth because opportunities like this are rare; I'll just travel to my heart's content and enjoy the festive atmosphere for a few more days.” According to Minh Tan, he's not alone; many Gen Z colleagues share the same idea of ​​traveling instead of returning to work immediately after Tet, leading to many offices being quite deserted at the beginning of the year and lacking the energetic work atmosphere.

Don't get too caught up in it.

Besides the situation where many people return to work feeling sluggish after the Lunar New Year holiday, many posts on youth forums also express the intention to change work environments. “After a relaxing and free holiday, I suddenly feel unmotivated. I just want to take a temporary leave because I’ve been feeling sluggish at work these past few days; when I arrive in the morning, all I want is for the workday to end quickly,” Vân Trang (25 years old, office worker) confided. Under Vân Trang’s post, many comments shared similar feelings. This listless and sluggish mindset is causing many young people difficulties in reintegrating into the workplace.

"January is the month for leisure" is a familiar notion, and the "reluctance to return to work after the Lunar New Year holiday" syndrome among young people is also common. In reality, this is a normal reaction after a long break; the changes in schedule and daily routines mean that the mind and body haven't yet adapted to the rhythm of work life.

Furthermore, the prospect of receiving a good income at the end of the year (bonuses, extra income from work, etc.) makes young people, who are generally less burdened by life's responsibilities, more susceptible to the need for new experiences. Moreover, many young people today have quite lively personalities, a constant desire to explore , and a strong emphasis on quality time for themselves, as well as prioritizing "healing" trips... Therefore, many often feel distracted and lack motivation when they return to their studies or work routine.

Many psychology experts have warned that young people dwelling too long on the "aftermath" of holidays has negative impacts, affecting not only work performance but also disrupting their current lives.

Time off is for enjoyment, but it's also a time for each of us to recharge our energy in preparation for a more productive year, to reflect on ourselves, and to set new goals.

Therefore, everyone should balance work and rest, so that they can mentally prepare themselves to keep up with the busy work pace while not forgetting to experience life.

LAN VY

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/du-am-tet-and-noi-ngai-quay-lai-cong-viec-post840982.html