Sabbatical Stories

In this episode, Susie Chou shares her transformative experience of taking a year-long sabbatical with her husband, traveling to all seven continents. Susie reflects on the personal growth and relationship building that occurred during their travels, as well as the challenges of transitioning back to work after such a significant break. She also offers valuable tips for anyone considering a sabbatical, emphasising the importance of understanding one's intentions and slowing down to fully appreciate the experience. Together, we explore:

• The decision-making process, the planning involved, and the financial considerations that make a career break or sabbatical possible.
• How returning back to the corporate world can be hard.
• How her break gave her the confidence to break away from the standard American blueprint of life and do something different. 
• Why travel throughout her break contributed to her changing career and starting her own travel agency.
• Entrepreneurial life, the twists and turns, the challenges but why she would never go back. 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment

01:31 Suzy Chow's Sabbatical Journey

10:05 Planning the Sabbatical

19:07 Experiences Across Seven Continents

23:54 Transitioning Back to Work

28:02 Starting a New Venture

33:09 Top Tips for Taking a Sabbatical

Guest bio: Susie Chau is a former IT Management Consultant who took a transformative year-long career break with her husband, traveling across all seven continents. Inspired by her journey, she returned to the corporate world but soon felt the pull to help others experience the power of travel. In 2016, she launched her travel agency as a side hustle, and by 2018, she took the leap into full-time entrepreneurship. Since then, she has helped hundreds of people explore the world. In 2023, Susie expanded her mission beyond vacations—she now helps professionals live abroad for a month or more, shifting their focus from work mode to life mode.

Learn more about Susie by visiting herwebsite or connecting with her onLinkedIn 

Get in touch: If you are interested in sharing your sabbatical story, we would love to hear from you.  Buzz us a DM on Instagram - ⁠@Sabbatical_Stories⁠ or reach out on LinkedIn - ⁠Bex Thomas.⁠

Career transition, sabbatical and career break coaching: 

As a career transition, sabbatical, and career break coach, I inspire, challenge, and support people like you to create a life that feels deeply aligned with your values, dreams, and authentic self. 

Whether you’re craving a new direction, a chance to pause, or the courage to pursue what really matters, I’m here to guide you toward your own version of success on your terms.

Together, we’ll break free from societal blueprints, rewrite the rules, and design a future you’re excited to wake up to.

Learn more ⁠here⁠

💫 Ready to make the most of your time away from work

Download my free guide, "5 Ways to Maximise Your Career Break", packed with practical tips and soulful insights to help you pause with purpose and return with clarity. 

Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already on sabbatical, this is your essential companion.

👉 Grab your free copy ⁠here⁠

With special thanks to: 

Aunty B at the Flaxen, our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine.

⁠Joanna Cooke⁠, whose soulful blend of smooth vocals we are lucky enough to use throughout the show. Listen and connect with Joanna via your favourite medium:

Website - ⁠https://joannacooke.co.uk⁠

YouTube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke⁠

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/⁠

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/⁠

In this inspiring episode of Sabbatical Stories, we’re joined by Lyndall Farley, a global expert in sabbaticals and the founder of Beyond a Break. With a passion for helping individuals and organisations embrace career breaks, Lyndall shares her remarkable journey from a thriving consulting career in a BIG4 firm to becoming a sabbatical coach.

Lyndall opens up about her eleven sabbaticals, including her life-changing experience in Antarctica, which became a pivotal moment in redefining her career and personal priorities. Together, we explore:

• The myth of overnight success and why experimentation and failure are part of finding your path.
• How the journey of failing first, failing fast and experimentation is key to finding what truly works for you
• Challenges in transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship—and how to overcome them.
• Why fast travel can hinder true reflection and recharge, and how to balance exploration with self-care.
• The benefits of designing sabbaticals to fit your unique life stage and goals.
• How sabbaticals are more than just extended vacations—they’re intentional breaks that can reshape your life.
• Why prioritising yourself is not selfish; it’s essential for long-term success and happiness.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to episode 2

01:41 Meet Lyndall Farley: A Sabbatical Coach

03:35 The Transformative Power of Sabbaticals

09:29 Finding Confidence and Purpose

12:45 The Journey to Starting her own business  Beyond a Break

19:57 The Myth of Overnight Success

22:03 Lessons from Past Sabbaticals

25:30 Designing Your Break with Intention

26:22 The Creation of BreakSpace

Guest bio: Lyndall is a global expert in sabbaticals and the founder of Beyond a Break, where she helps individuals and organisations harness the transformative power of extended time off. Having taken multiple sabbaticals herself, Lyndall is passionate about guiding others to design and implement meaningful breaks that rejuvenate, inspire, and drive long-term fulfilment. With a wealth of experience in coaching and consulting, she empowers professionals to reconnect with their purpose and return to work re-energised. 

Lyndall is also the co-founder of Breakspace: the launchpad community for life-changing career breaks & sabbaticals.

Get in touch: If you are interested in sharing your sabbatical story, we would love to hear from you.  Buzz us a DM on Instagram - ⁠@Sabbatical_Stories⁠ or reach out on LinkedIn - ⁠Bex Thomas.⁠

Career transition, sabbatical and career break coaching: 

As a career transition, sabbatical, and career break coach, I inspire, challenge, and support people like you to create a life that feels deeply aligned with your values, dreams, and authentic self. 

Whether you’re craving a new direction, a chance to pause, or the courage to pursue what really matters, I’m here to guide you toward your own version of success on your terms.

Together, we’ll break free from societal blueprints, rewrite the rules, and design a future you’re excited to wake up to.

Learn more ⁠here⁠

💫 Ready to make the most of your time away from work

Download my free guide, "5 Ways to Maximise Your Career Break", packed with practical tips and soulful insights to help you pause with purpose and return with clarity. 

Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already on sabbatical, this is your essential companion.

👉 Grab your free copy ⁠here⁠

With special thanks to: 

Aunty B at the Flaxen, our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine.

⁠Joanna Cooke⁠, whose soulful blend of smooth vocals we are lucky enough to use throughout the show. Listen and connect with Joanna via your favourite medium:

Website - ⁠https://joannacooke.co.uk⁠

YouTube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke⁠

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/⁠

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/⁠

To kick off a brand-new season of Sabbatical Stories, we’re joined by Amanda, whose powerful and deeply relatable journey began with a layoff from a tech company. In this episode, Amanda shares the toll burnout had taken on her life and how an unexpected pause became the catalyst for reevaluating her priorities, reconnecting with herself, and focusing on her mental health.

Her story is a poignant reminder of the importance of slowing down and listening to what your mind and body truly need. Together, we explore:

• The impact of burnout and the importance of prioritising mental health.
• Why putting your health before work is crucial, especially after a breakdown.
• Recognising the signs of chronic stress and how it can manifest physically and mentally.
• Challenging cultural stigmas around rest and deconstructing capitalist beliefs about productivity.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Sabbatical Stories

02:02 Amanda's Journey: From Burnout to Break

06:04 Recognising the Signs of Burnout

10:13 The Importance of Prioritising Mental Health

17:53 Deconstructing Capitalism and Work Identity

29:09 Cultural Influences on Gender Roles

30:25 The Importance of a Detox

34:20 Financial Adaptation During Sabbatical

37:24 Exploring EMDR Therapy

40:27 Redefining 'Doing Nothing'

44:33 Navigating Undefined Time on Sabbatical

51:16 Key Takeaways for Career Breaks

Guest bio: Amanda is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in strategic partnerships, business development, and community engagement. With a strong background in the tech and corporate sectors, she’s passionate about fostering meaningful connections and driving impactful initiatives. 

Amanda is also the author of We Said Farewell, a deeply personal memoir chronicling her family’s experience of love, loss, and resilience. Through her writing and storytelling, she inspires readers to embrace the complexities of life and find strength in challenging moments. 

Beyond her professional and literary achievements, Amanda is a dedicated advocate for mental health and well-being, sharing her personal journey to help others prioritise balance, self-care, and intentional living.

Discover more about Amanda and her work at lesmotsdeamanda.com or get in touch via Instagram @lesmotsdeamanda

Get in touch: If you are interested in sharing your sabbatical story, we would love to hear from you.  Buzz us a DM on Instagram - ⁠@Sabbatical_Stories⁠ or reach out on LinkedIn - ⁠Bex Thomas.⁠

Career transition, sabbatical and career break coaching: 

As a career transition, sabbatical, and career break coach, I inspire, challenge, and support people like you to create a life that feels deeply aligned with your values, dreams, and authentic self. 

Whether you’re craving a new direction, a chance to pause, or the courage to pursue what really matters, I’m here to guide you toward your own version of success on your terms.

Together, we’ll break free from societal blueprints, rewrite the rules, and design a future you’re excited to wake up to.

Learn more ⁠here⁠

💫 Ready to make the most of your time away from work

Download my free guide, "5 Ways to Maximise Your Career Break", packed with practical tips and soulful insights to help you pause with purpose and return with clarity. 

Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already on sabbatical, this is your essential companion.

👉 Grab your free copy ⁠here⁠

With special thanks to: 

Aunty B at the Flaxen, our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine.

⁠Joanna Cooke⁠, whose soulful blend of smooth vocals we are lucky enough to use throughout the show. Listen and connect with Joanna via your favourite medium:

Website - ⁠https://joannacooke.co.uk⁠

YouTube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke⁠

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/⁠

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/⁠

Our host Bex and producer Auntie B reflect on the key themes and insights from Season One of Sabbatical Stories. They discuss the common threads among guests including:

Timestamps

00:00 Reflecting on Season One Highlights

02:50 The Seeds of Career Breaks

06:06 The Common Thread of Fulfillment

09:09 Financial Planning for Career Breaks

11:55 The Importance of Intentionality

15:03 Myths and Misconceptions of Career Breaks

17:52 Support Systems and Their Impact

21:01 The Ripple Effect of Taking a Break

24:11 Top Tips for a Successful Career Break

26:49 Looking Ahead to Season Two

Guest bio: Bex is the host of Sabbatical Stories podcast and a career transition coach who guides individuals through pivotal life and career changes. Specialising in crossroads moments, she helps clients find clarity and direction, empowering them to invest in a future self they can be proud of. Through personalised coaching sessions and signature programs focused on career transitions and sabbaticals, Bex creates a supportive, nurturing space where clients explore their core values, strengths, and goals. She goes beyond coaching, helping you redefine success on your own terms and equipping you to implement that vision in your next chapter with confidence and purpose.

Additional resources: 

Feel Good Getaways - https://feelgood-getaways.com/

Other episodes you may enjoy: 

Get in touch: If you are interested in sharing your sabbatical story, we would love to hear from you.  Buzz us a DM on Instagram - @Sabbatical_Stories or reach out on LinkedIn - Rebecca Thomas

With special thanks to: 

Aunty B at the Flaxen, our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine. 

Joanna Cooke, whose soulful blend of smooth vocals we are lucky enough to use throughout the show. Listen and connect with Joanna via your favourite medium:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7EyKy53TsVFLJFZFyYzBZQ?si=HaCSIRCETS2uYB3LBLcrWA

Website - https://joannacooke.co.uk

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/

Keywords: career breaks, sabbaticals, personal growth, financial planning, intentional living, fulfillment, support systems, myths, misconceptions, top tips

In this special episode of Sabbatical Stories, host Bex Thomas takes the guest seat while "Aunty B" steps in as interviewer!

Bex dives deep into her personal journey through three transformative sabbaticals, reflecting on the invaluable lessons learned, the power of intentionality, and how these experiences inspired her shift from a corporate career to coaching.

Join Aunty B and Bex as they explore themes like defining your purpose, crafting a life of freedom and fulfilment, and navigating pivotal transitions. This episode is filled with insights for anyone curious about using sabbaticals as a tool for personal growth and career reinvention.

● How sabbaticals can be life-changing experiences that help redefine personal and professional goals.

● Why intentionality in planning a sabbatical is crucial for its success.

● How prototyping life changes can help clarify future aspirations.

● Why integration techniques post-sabbatical are essential to retain the lessons learned

● How visualisation and planning can streamline the transition back to work.

● How coaching can simplify the process of transitioning into a new career.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sabbatical Stories

01:49 The Journey of Three Sabbaticals

05:48 Lessons from the First Sabbatical

09:50 Intentionality in the Second Sabbatical 13:58 Prototyping Life Changes

17:49 The Importance of Travel and Reflection 22:10 Integration Techniques Post-Sabbatical 25:52 The Role of Visualization and Planning 29:59 Transitioning to a Career Coach

34:08 Top Tips for Taking a Career Break

Guest bio: Bex is the host of Sabbatical Stories podcast and a career transition coach who guides individuals through pivotal life and career changes.

Specialising in crossroads moments, she helps clients find clarity and direction, empowering them to invest in a future self they can be proud of.

Through personalised coaching sessions and signature programs focused on career transitions and sabbaticals, Bex creates a supportive, nurturing space where clients explore their core values, strengths, and goals.

She goes beyond coaching, helping you redefine success on your own terms and equipping you to implement that vision in your next chapter with confidence and purpose.

Learn more ⁠⁠here⁠⁠

Get in touch: If you are interested in sharing your sabbatical story, we would love to hear from you.  Buzz us a DM on Instagram - ⁠@Sabbatical_Stories⁠ or reach out on LinkedIn - ⁠Bex Thomas.⁠

💫 Ready to make the most of your time away from work

Download my free guide, "5 Ways to Maximise Your Career Break", packed with practical tips and soulful insights to help you pause with purpose and return with clarity. 

Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already on sabbatical, this is your essential companion.

👉 Grab your free copy ⁠here⁠

With special thanks to: 

Aunty B at the Flaxen, our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine.

⁠Joanna Cooke⁠, whose soulful blend of smooth vocals we are lucky enough to use throughout the show. Listen and connect with Joanna via your favourite medium:

Website - ⁠https://joannacooke.co.uk⁠

YouTube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke⁠

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/⁠

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/⁠

Danielle joins us to share her sabbatical story that was prompted by her husband's health challenges.  Danielle shares how they planned their sabbatical, the importance of setting intentions, and the adventures they experienced while reconnecting as a couple. We discuss amongst other topics:  

• Why reconnecting as a couple was so important after a period of health issues

• How reverse engineering your sabbatical plans can help in achieving goals.

• The importance of health considerations when planning travel through a sabbatical

• How best to navigate company policies and ask your manager for a sabbatical

• Why the financials are important for an unpaid career break and how best to financially plan for such a break

• The importance of your network when returning from a career break

• How time off can help you get in touch with your inner wisdom and ultimately and most importantly find fun again

  
  

Timestamps

02:50 Danielle's Journey to Sabbatical

06:11 Planning the Sabbatical: Duration and Considerations

08:55 Navigating Company Policies for Sabbaticals

12:10 The Importance of Intentions During Sabbatical

15:10 Travel Adventures and Reconnecting

17:55 Health Considerations During Travel

20:50 Financial Planning for a Sabbatical

24:05 Mindset Shifts and Personal Growth

26:49 Reconnecting as a Couple

30:03 Returning to Work and New Identities

32:59 Integrating Learnings from Sabbatical

36:07 Top Tips for Planning a Sabbatical

Guest bio: Danielle is a Revenue Operations & Sales Enablement Specialist and somewhat of a legend in the Sydney Sales community.  Originally from Yorkshire, UK Danielle lived and worked in Sydney for 10 years before moving to Lisbon, Portugal.  Her consultancy Purple Patch offers best in class Sales Enablement, Coaching and Training—based on tested, proven, relevant methodologies for the modern sales environment. Outside of work, you’ll find her in the gym, hosting her radio show, the Purple Patch Podcast and chasing the perfect cup of coffee (with her dog in tow).

Additional resources: 

https://visitpurplepatch.com/

Purple Patch Sales Edge Podcast

Other episodes you may enjoy: 

• Emigrating Soon? Discover How a Career Break Can Transform Your Move with Liz Ferguson

• Reinventing Yourself: Embrace the Freedom of a Career Break with Lucy Lee

  
  

Get in touch: If you are interested in sharing your sabbatical story, we would love to hear from you.  Buzz us a DM on Instagram - ⁠@Sabbatical_Stories⁠ or reach out on LinkedIn - ⁠Bex Thomas.⁠

Career transition, sabbatical and career break coaching: 

As a career transition, sabbatical, and career break coach, I inspire, challenge, and support people like you to create a life that feels deeply aligned with your values, dreams, and authentic self. 

Whether you’re craving a new direction, a chance to pause, or the courage to pursue what really matters, I’m here to guide you toward your own version of success on your terms.

Together, we’ll break free from societal blueprints, rewrite the rules, and design a future you’re excited to wake up to.

Learn more ⁠here⁠

💫 Ready to make the most of your time away from work

Download my free guide, "5 Ways to Maximise Your Career Break", packed with practical tips and soulful insights to help you pause with purpose and return with clarity. 

Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already on sabbatical, this is your essential companion.

👉 Grab your free copy ⁠here⁠

With special thanks to: 

Aunty B at the Flaxen, our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine.

⁠Joanna Cooke⁠, whose soulful blend of smooth vocals we are lucky enough to use throughout the show. Listen and connect with Joanna via your favourite medium:

Website - ⁠https://joannacooke.co.uk⁠

YouTube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke⁠

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/⁠

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/⁠

Laura Marson shares her sabbatical story of leaving her life and career as a chef in Charleston, South Carolina, to embark on a year-long backpacking trip around the world. 7 years later and she’s still traveling. Having lived in various countries and experiencing incredible adventures Laura emphasises the importance of being open to opportunities and embracing the unexpected. We discuss amongst other topics:

• The emotional feelings when you leave a place deep down knowing that you may not be back.  

• How keeping plans loose and chatting to people whilst traveling can change the trajectory of your adventure and life.

• Why defining what's important in life and making it a priority is important

• How being stranded in Botswana during COVID for 8 months living in a jeep provided her with the space, time and inspiration to start writing her travel stories and birth her new business.

• The importance of taking a sabbatical whilst you’re young and physically able

• How working with a life or travel coach can help you overcome self-limiting beliefs and find balance in your life.

  
  

Timestamps

02:20 Leaving Charleston and Starting the Sabbatical

06:06 Motivation and Challenges of Extended Travel

10:27 Embracing the Unexpected: Changing Plans and Adding New Destinations

15:09 Challenges of Traveling as a Single Female

18:21 Memorable Stories and Lessons Learned

25:45 Becoming a Life and Travel Coach

28:06 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Reflecting on the Journey

31:00 Top Tips for Taking a Sabbatical

Guest bio: Laura Marson is the creator of the travel blog A Dynamic Life and a life coach dedicated to helping others pursue their passions. Laura’s journey from solo female traveler to slow traveler has led her to build a life abroad since 2017, embracing new opportunities and perspectives along the way. Through her coaching, Laura empowers clients to overcome self-limiting beliefs and live dynamically by focusing on personal growth, resilience, and saying "YES" to new experiences. Connect with Laura on Instagram.

Additional resources: 

A dynamic life website - https://www.adynamiclife.co.za/

Other episodes you may enjoy: 

• Emigrating Soon? Discover How a Career Break Can Transform Your Move with Liz Ferguson

• Reinventing Yourself: Embrace the Freedom of a Career Break with Lucy Lee

  
  

Get in touch: If you are interested in sharing your sabbatical story, we would love to hear from you.  Buzz us a DM on Instagram - ⁠@Sabbatical_Stories⁠ or reach out on LinkedIn - ⁠Bex Thomas.⁠

Career transition, sabbatical and career break coaching: 

As a career transition, sabbatical, and career break coach, I inspire, challenge, and support people like you to create a life that feels deeply aligned with your values, dreams, and authentic self. 

Whether you’re craving a new direction, a chance to pause, or the courage to pursue what really matters, I’m here to guide you toward your own version of success on your terms.

Together, we’ll break free from societal blueprints, rewrite the rules, and design a future you’re excited to wake up to.

Learn more ⁠here⁠

💫 Ready to make the most of your time away from work

Download my free guide, "5 Ways to Maximise Your Career Break", packed with practical tips and soulful insights to help you pause with purpose and return with clarity. 

Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already on sabbatical, this is your essential companion.

👉 Grab your free copy ⁠here⁠

With special thanks to: 

Aunty B at the Flaxen, our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine.

⁠Joanna Cooke⁠, whose soulful blend of smooth vocals we are lucky enough to use throughout the show. Listen and connect with Joanna via your favourite medium:

Website - ⁠https://joannacooke.co.uk⁠

YouTube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke⁠

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/⁠

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/⁠

Liz Ferguson shares her sabbatical story, including her experiences with travel and taking a career break before emigrating. She discusses the motivations behind her travels, the challenges of traveling with a partner, and the lessons she learned from her sabbaticals. Liz also talks about the importance of planning and financial stability during a break, the value of self-reflection and personal growth, and the need to prioritise fun and joy during the break.  We discuss amongst other topics:

• How to get the best out of travelling with your partner

• How the future version of you The importance of planning and financial stability during a break to reduce stress.

• Why it’s important to do the work on yourself prior to your break.

• how leaning into what you enjoy and find flow in leads to a way better outcome than doing what you think you should do on a sabbatical. 

• How the decisions you make today really does define future you

  
  

Timestamps

01:12 Liz's Sabbatical Story

03:22 Different Types of Breaks

05:40 Traveling with a Partner

09:23 Motivation for Moving to Another Country

13:10 Future Vision and Personal Growth

15:20 Challenges and Tips for Traveling with a Partner

18:31 Lessons Learned from the Sabbatical

20:25 Integration of Lessons into Life After the Break

22:58 Maintaining Balance During Travel

26:22 Planning for a Career Break

28:44 Personal Growth and Development

31:35 Top Three Tips for Taking a Break

33:28 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

Guest bio: Liz Ferguson has over 15 years of industry experience across the UK and APAC developing digital communities around social video and working with high profile brands, broadcasters, sports federations, music labels and individual video creators. She is an expert on all things content and digital strategy. Connect with Liz on LinkedIn.

Other episodes you may enjoy: 

• How Volunteering in Africa Transformed My Perspective | Life Lessons from Jackson Lindsay-Egan

• Reinventing Yourself: Embrace the Freedom of a Career Break with Lucy Lee

  
  

Get in touch: If you are interested in sharing your sabbatical story, we would love to hear from you.  Buzz us a DM on Instagram - ⁠@Sabbatical_Stories⁠ or reach out on LinkedIn - ⁠Bex Thomas.⁠

Career transition, sabbatical and career break coaching: 

As a career transition, sabbatical, and career break coach, I inspire, challenge, and support people like you to create a life that feels deeply aligned with your values, dreams, and authentic self. 

Whether you’re craving a new direction, a chance to pause, or the courage to pursue what really matters, I’m here to guide you toward your own version of success on your terms.

Together, we’ll break free from societal blueprints, rewrite the rules, and design a future you’re excited to wake up to.

Learn more ⁠here⁠

💫 Ready to make the most of your time away from work

Download my free guide, "5 Ways to Maximise Your Career Break", packed with practical tips and soulful insights to help you pause with purpose and return with clarity. 

Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already on sabbatical, this is your essential companion.

👉 Grab your free copy ⁠here⁠

With special thanks to: 

Aunty B at the Flaxen, our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine.

⁠Joanna Cooke⁠, whose soulful blend of smooth vocals we are lucky enough to use throughout the show. Listen and connect with Joanna via your favourite medium:

Website - ⁠https://joannacooke.co.uk⁠

YouTube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke⁠

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/⁠

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/⁠

Jennifer Anderson shares her experience as the wife of someone who took a career break. She discusses the signs that indicated her husband needed a break, the value of a career break coach, and how they navigated the break as a family. Jennifer emphasises the importance of normalising career breaks and supporting loved ones in taking time off. She also highlights the need for flexibility and evolution in relationships during a sabbatical.  We discuss amongst other topics:

• Why as a partner or family member you need to be prepared for your own personal growth and evolution during the sabbatical period.

• The importance of boundaries and respect for each other's roles and responsibilities during the break.

• The impacts of going back to work too early after a career break.

• Why sometimes it’s important to hold the mirror up for our loved ones.

• How to focus on finding ways to make the break possible for both individuals.

• The importance of not letting external opinions or judgments influence your decision to support a career break.

  
  

Timestamps

02:19 Recognising the Need for a Sabbatical

08:11 Considering Different Career Paths

11:32 Preparing for the Sabbatical

14:46 Supporting the Sabbatical Journey

19:14 Challenges and Adjustments

22:54 Returning to Work and Reflections

28:13 Impact on the Family and Relationships

31:38 Tips for Supporting a Sabbatical

36:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guest bio: Jennifer is a Mother, Wife, Personal Brand Strategist, Author, Trainer, Speaker and Coach with 26+ years’ experience. and her goal is to help you become the Ambassador of YOUR Personal Brand!  To find out more about Jens work, connect with her on LinkedIn or visit her website- https://movingforwardsolutions.com

Episode transcript: 

Other episodes you may enjoy: 

• How Volunteering in Africa Transformed My Perspective | Life Lessons from Jackson Lindsay-Egan

• How a Career Break Helped Steve Duke Pivot Professionally and Rediscover Fun

  
  

Get in touch: If you are interested in sharing your sabbatical story, we would love to hear from you.  Buzz us a DM on Instagram - ⁠@Sabbatical_Stories⁠ or reach out on LinkedIn - ⁠Bex Thomas.⁠

Career transition, sabbatical and career break coaching: 

As a career transition, sabbatical, and career break coach, I inspire, challenge, and support people like you to create a life that feels deeply aligned with your values, dreams, and authentic self. 

Whether you’re craving a new direction, a chance to pause, or the courage to pursue what really matters, I’m here to guide you toward your own version of success on your terms.

Together, we’ll break free from societal blueprints, rewrite the rules, and design a future you’re excited to wake up to.

Learn more ⁠here⁠

💫 Ready to make the most of your time away from work

Download my free guide, "5 Ways to Maximise Your Career Break", packed with practical tips and soulful insights to help you pause with purpose and return with clarity. 

Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already on sabbatical, this is your essential companion.

👉 Grab your free copy ⁠here⁠

With special thanks to: 

Aunty B at the Flaxen, our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine.

⁠Joanna Cooke⁠, whose soulful blend of smooth vocals we are lucky enough to use throughout the show. Listen and connect with Joanna via your favourite medium:

Website - ⁠https://joannacooke.co.uk⁠

YouTube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke⁠

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/⁠

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/⁠

Lucy shares how her messy and unplanned 8 week career break  led to a major transition in her life.  Lucy knew where she wanted to be physically but needed time to work out how to get there.  She emphasises the importance of knowing what makes you tick and how she believes it’s the foundation of living a good life.  We chat about why and how her break gave her the space and time to reinvent herself, shift her identity and led to the freedom she didn’t know she needed.  We discuss amongst other topics:

• How to build a life on the other side of the world when immigration laws all seem to be against you.

• The importance of finding out what makes you happy at zero cost.

• The impact of reverse engineering your life and career and how to integrate this into a career break.

• How to regularly reflect and assess your personal goals and values to help ensure that you are still aligned with what you want in life.

  
  

Timestamps

00:54 The Impact of a Messy and Unplanned Career Break

02:20 Navigating Different Job Roles and Transitions

03:44 Taking an Internal Promotion and Evaluating Career Options

06:34 Planning and Exploring Career Options During the Break

08:31 Overcoming Challenges and Adjusting Plans

12:05 Defining What Makes You Happy and Reflecting on Identity

13:29 Strategies for Keeping Track of Happiness and Learning

17:34 The Messiness and Structure of the Eight-Week Break

18:34 Life Changes and the Sense of Freedom After the Break

19:03 Identity Shifts and Transitioning to a New Chapter

21:23 Unexpected Opportunities and Insights During the Break

26:28 The Second Career Break and Calculated Planning

27:48 Top Three Tips for Taking a Career Break

Guest bio: Lucy is a dynamic sales professional with a knack for balancing her corporate success with personal passions.  Over the past couple of years, Lucy has earned her motorbike license, taken a barista course, learned to DJ and embraced sobriety. In 2024, she's focused on living slowly—a goal she's eager to chat about. As a Sales Leadership Coach and Sales Enablement Professional she excels at building top-performing sales teams and empowering others to thrive.  Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn.

Additional resources: 

The Purple Patch Sales Edge Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/10RnPx5xwEcIR328A4feil

Purple Patch Consulting: https://visitpurplepatch.com

Get in touch: If you are interested in sharing your sabbatical story, we would love to hear from you.  Buzz us a DM on Instagram - ⁠@Sabbatical_Stories⁠ or reach out on LinkedIn - ⁠Bex Thomas.⁠

Career transition, sabbatical and career break coaching: 

As a career transition, sabbatical, and career break coach, I inspire, challenge, and support people like you to create a life that feels deeply aligned with your values, dreams, and authentic self. 

Whether you’re craving a new direction, a chance to pause, or the courage to pursue what really matters, I’m here to guide you toward your own version of success on your terms.

Together, we’ll break free from societal blueprints, rewrite the rules, and design a future you’re excited to wake up to.

Learn more ⁠here⁠

💫 Ready to make the most of your time away from work

Download my free guide, "5 Ways to Maximise Your Career Break", packed with practical tips and soulful insights to help you pause with purpose and return with clarity. 

Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already on sabbatical, this is your essential companion.

👉 Grab your free copy ⁠here⁠

With special thanks to: 

Aunty B at the Flaxen, our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine.

⁠Joanna Cooke⁠, whose soulful blend of smooth vocals we are lucky enough to use throughout the show. Listen and connect with Joanna via your favourite medium:

Website - ⁠https://joannacooke.co.uk⁠

YouTube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke⁠

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/⁠

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/⁠