BTSS: Back-to-School Syndrome (And Yes, It Hits Adults Too)

Remember that first day of school feeling? New notebooks, fresh pens, carefully ironed outfits (thanks, mom), and the silent panic that you might not know where the bathroom is? Fast forward a couple of decades, swap the backpack for a laptop bag, and boom—you’ve got Back-to-School Syndrome (BTSS) for adults.

Navigating Back-to-school syndrome

Yes, it’s a real thing (okay, not medically official—but if you know, you know). Every September, many professionals feel it—the mix of excitement, stress, and “oh no, summer is officially over” dread.

And if you’re a woman working in finance, juggling deadlines, clients, and endless spreadsheets, BTSS can hit hard. Symptoms of back-to-school syndrome in adults often include:

• Overbuying planners, highlighters, and sticky notes (because this year you’ll definitely color-code everything).

• A sudden urge to “get your life together” overnight.

• Back-to-back calendar invites that feel suspiciously like a teacher’s timetable.

• Wondering if you’re actually ready for the financial year ahead (spoiler: you are).

  
  

How to Manage Back-to-School Syndrome as a Professional

1. Channel the ‘first day of school outfit’ energy.That little confidence boost from wearing shiny new sneakers or the perfect blazer? Still works. A sharp outfit is cheaper than therapy (well, sometimes) and does wonders for impostor syndrome in finance and beyond.

2. Embrace progress, not perfection.At school, nobody expected you to learn algebra in week one (thank God). In your career, don’t expect to nail Q4 strategies or investment reports by September 10th. Think of BTSS as a transition—success builds step by step.

3. Upgrade your ‘school supplies.’Forget unicorn pencil cases—this is your chance to refresh your tools. A new project management app, a budgeting tracker, or even just highlighters that spark joy can help manage stress and boost productivity.

4. Find your “homeroom crew.”Back then, survival meant having a friend to sit with at lunch. Today, it’s your network. Surround yourself with supportive colleagues, mentors, or other women in finance who understand that sometimes Excel really does eat your formulas alive.

5. Reward yourself like it’s recess.We gave kids gold stars for eating broccoli. Why not reward yourself for surviving back-to-back meetings, hitting a savings goal, or finally saying “no” to a project that doesn’t serve you?

The September Reset

Back-to-school syndrome for adults doesn’t have to derail your September. Instead of dreading the post-summer slump, treat it as your yearly reset button—a chance to set new career goals, refresh your mindset, and sharpen your financial strategies.

Fresh notebooks, fresh coffee, fresh chance to run the world (or at least the next budget cycle).

And if all else fails? Just remember: you’re not the only one googling “how to survive September without losing your mind.”