Sabbatical Stories

Tanya Saker shares her sabbatical story of leaving corporate America after 15 years and returning to the UK. She initially took a summer off and worked in pubs and restaurants in her childhood village. Through various steps, she ended up extending her sabbatical and starting two new lifestyle businesses: pet sitting and career coaching. We discuss amongst other topics:

• How to build a nomadic and varied life around pet sitting and other revenue streams.

• The fear of failure and imposter syndrome plus tips to overcome them. 

• Embracing the imperfect and future proofing life including a savings plan.

• Trusting your gut and not waiting for everything to be planned.

• The importance of being open-minded and prepared to pivot as opportunities arise.

• Learning to live with less and prioritising what is truly important.

  
  

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:01 Tanya's Introduction and Sabbatical Story

03:26 Transitioning to Pet Sitting and New Lifestyle Businesses

08:24 Challenges and Overcoming Negativity

19:18 Prioritizing Lifestyle and Embracing Change

32:59 Learning to Live with Less and Trusting Your Gut

Guest bio: Tanya Saker is an accomplished international recruitment specialist with 15 years of experience across the US, UK, and Australia. She excels in senior-level hires, international searches in niche talent pools, and advising on workforce strategies for Life Sciences companies. Tanya is also skilled in supporting start-ups, managing recruitment and training projects. Most recently Tanya is also a pet sitter working across the British Isles.  Connect with Tanya on LinkedIn or Facebook.

Additional resources: 

The Executive Pharm - https://theexecutivepharm.com/

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/⁠

Jackson shares how he took a break after realising that his values didn't align with his job in agency recruitment. His time volunteering in Africa exceeded his expectations and he learned a lot from the people he met. Returning with a renewed sense of purpose he now works in a role that allows him to make a positive difference in people's lives. 

• Practical tips for a career break around finances, setting clear objectives and trusting the process

• The importance of community and connection both in the workplace and personal life.

• How to approach your job search once back in reality staying true to your non-negotiables

• How the process of reflection and can lead to happiness

• Integration techniques to ensure you don’t forget the lessons learnt

  
  

Timestamps

02:54 Realising the Need for a Break

05:48 Choosing a Sabbatical over Another Job

08:05 Volunteering in Africa

12:21 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Challenges

14:16 The Impact of the Sabbatical

17:07 Day-to-Day Volunteering Experience

20:03 Pivotal Moments and Shifting Perspectives

22:53 Life After the Sabbatical

23:53 Using a Sabbatical for Personal Growth and Transformation

26:43 The Importance of Community and Connection

28:21 Reflecting on Past Experiences to Guide Career Decisions

31:14 Seeking Feedback for Self-Reflection

41:53 Practical Tips for a Successful Sabbatical

Guest bio: Jackson grew up in Orange, in country NSW, before moving to Sydney to start his career. He ticked off some boyhood dreams by gaining early work experience with a couple of sporting clubs before pivoting into recruitment. After his career break he made the move into P&C as he loves helping everyone enjoy their work more. He currently works for Recovery Station, you can get in touch with Jackson via his LinkedIn profile here.

Additional resources: 

Nakavango - https://www.nakavango.com/#

DiSC - https://www.discprofile.com/what-is-disc

Book recommendation: Getting to Yes with Yourself by Will Ury - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/158320166-possible

Author recommendation: Marcus Buckingham https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18731.Marcus_Buckingham

Other episodes you may enjoy: 

• How to Master the Art of Career Breaks & Sabbaticals | Katrina McGhee, The Queen of Taking Time Off

• 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/⁠

In this episode, we are joined by Anika Stokes.  Anika wears two hats today as someone who has personally experienced the benefits of two career breaks and as a recruiter and hiring manager. Anika talks us through her two career breaks both of which involved the magic of travel yet luckily only one a near death experience!  We discuss amongst other topics:

• Perceptions of employers when it comes to sabbaticals and career breaks

• How to position your career break once you are back in the job market

• How to talk about your time off at interview

• Why it’s important to own your break

  
  

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:13 Annika's Two Sabbatical Stories

11:20 Memorable Experiences and Challenges

18:07 Personal Growth and Development Through Travel

20:27 Perceptions of Career Breaks in the Job Market

24:45 Positioning Your Career Break in the Job Market

27:12 Exploring and Integrating into a New Country

29:54 Tips for Considering and Embarking on a Career Break

31:40 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

Guest bio: Anika is Co-Founder of Oaktree Talent & Future State Consulting a specialist strategy recruitment agency in Australia and host of the "Strategy Bites" podcast. Through her work Anika helps Strategy and Transformation Leaders build teams that thrive by placing the very best candidates in the market with them. For more details and to get in touch with Anika visit her LinkedIn profile here.

Additional resources: 

Strategy bites podcast - https://oaktreetalent.com/our-strategy-bites-podcast/

Oaktree Talent Group - https://oaktreetalent.com/

Other episodes you may enjoy: 

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

• How to Master the Art of Career Breaks & Sabbaticals | Katrina McGhee, The Queen of Taking Time Off

  
  

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/⁠

Juliana Moreira shares her courageous journey of taking a career break and stepping into her own truth. She discusses the challenges of gaining support from loved ones, overcoming the inner critic, and finding clarity and purpose during her break. Juliana emphasises the importance of honoring your desires, sharing your intentions with supportive people, and hiring a career break coach for accountability. She also highlights the significance of setting guiding principles and being graceful with yourself throughout the process. We discuss amongst other topics:

• What to do when your nearest and dearest doesn’t initially support your decision to take a break

• How a sabbatical can break a cycle and behaviours that are not serving you

• Why our inner critic can be so loud and how to quieten them

• What happens when you step into your own truth

  
  

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of Sabbatical Stories

01:23 Welcoming Juliana Maritza and Celebrating Her Career Break Anniversary

03:17 The Decision to Take a Career Break and Overcoming Fear

06:03 Gaining Support and Overcoming Challenges in Relationships

09:46 The Transformation of Relationships and Personal Growth

12:07 Advice for Dealing with Unsupportive Spouses or Support Persons

13:35 Creating a Supportive Network and Hiring a Career Break Coach

16:25 Embracing Self-Expression and Overcoming the Inner Critic

20:38 Themes and Lessons Learned During the Career Break

24:23 Exploring Identity and Finding Alignment in Life

27:29 The Importance of Feeling and Guiding Principles

34:03 Accountability and Integration Techniques

39:20 Top Three Pieces of Advice for Taking a Career Break

43:05 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Guest bio: Juliana Moreira is a Brazilian, living in Texas. A marketing communications professional with a 20 year career in international multinationals, a wife, a writer, a traveler and a spiritual woman stepping into their Divine feminine. You can get in contact with Juliana via her LinkedIn profile here.

Additional resources: 

Global Juliana - https://globaljuliana.com/

Other episodes you may enjoy: 

• How to Master the Art of Career Breaks & Sabbaticals | Katrina McGhee, The Queen of Taking Time Off

• 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/⁠

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Steve Duke. He shares how redundancy prompted him to take a career break, allowing him to reassess and discover his true professional passions.  Steve's story is a testament to the power of sabbaticals in shaping successful careers and creating a life you love.  We discuss amongst other topics:

• The impact of redundancy and the decision to take a sabbatical

• Insights gained during his career break

• Transitioning back into the workforce

• Strategies for others considering a career break

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:20 Steve's Sabbatical Story and Motivation for Taking a Sabbatical

05:12 Challenges of Figuring Out What You Want

07:36 Planning and Preparing for the Sabbatical

09:05 Challenges and Mindset on the Road

12:54 Exploring Interests and Prototyping Life

17:11 Maintaining Routine and Discipline

20:01 Reflections on the Sabbatical Experience

25:45 The Power of Deep Conversations and Listening

29:21 Memorable Story: Following the Violin Music

32:06 Cutting the Trip Short: Making Decisions Based on Your Desires

41:31 Finding Job Satisfaction in the Mental Health Space

44:52 Journaling and Following the Breadcrumbs

49:33 Saying Yes to New Experiences and Exploration

52:25 Creating a Life with More Freedom and Fulfillment

Guest bio: Steve Duke is the Founder of the Hemingway Group, a consultancy supporting mental health startups who want to scale their impact.  Steve's impressive career history includes valuable experience as a McKinsey consultant, Head of Marketing at LetsGetChecked and former executive at Wayflyer, having joined as one of the first ten employees and playing a pivotal role in scaling the business to unicorn status within three years. For more details and to get in touch with Steve visit his LinkedIn profile here

Additional resources: 

The Hemingway Group - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hemingway-group-mental-health/

The Hemingway Report - https://hemingwayau.substack.com/

Two Roads Podcast - https://stephenduke8.podbean.com/

Other episodes you may enjoy: 

• Kicking things off with the Queen of Career Breaks and Sabbaticals with Katrina McGhee

• How do employers really perceive your career break with Anika Stokes

  
  

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 debut episode, we are joined by Katrina McGhee, author of "Taking a Career Break for Dummies." Katrina shares her personal journey, insights from her book, and practical advice for those considering a career break. Learn how taking time off can lead to personal growth and professional rejuvenation. We discuss amongst other topics:

• Katrina’s personal 20 month career break 

• Top tips on taking a career break 

• Overcoming limiting beliefs

• What success means and how to redefine it

• What to do if your biggest fear comes true post a break

  
  

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to Sabbatical Stories and Guest Katrina McGee

02:21 Finding Freedom and Fulfillment Through Career Breaks

08:22 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Redefining Success

14:16 Aligning Work and Life for Sustainable Living

17:29 Buying Freedom: Paying Off Debt After a Break

24:20 The Journey: Road Trips, International Travel, and Settling

26:06 The Challenges and Benefits of Taking a Career Break

30:17 Living Up to Expectations and Achieving Dreams

34:03 Maintaining Balance While Traveling

38:13 Finding Your Own Version of Balance

41:04 Reflecting on the Journey and Embracing Mistakes

44:38 Top Three Tips for Taking a Career Break

Guest bio: Katrina McGhee is a career break and sabbatical coach, speaker, and best-selling author of "Taking a Career Break for Dummies." With a background in marketing and extensive experience in personal development, Katrina helps professionals plan and execute transformative career breaks. Her work empowers individuals to find clarity, rejuvenate, and return to their careers with renewed purpose. Katrina's own sabbatical journey inspired her mission to normalise taking time off for personal growth and career advancement.For more details and to get in touch with Katrina visit her LinkedIn profile here.

Additional resources: 

Taking a Career Break for Dummies - https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book

K. McGhee Coaching - https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/

Other episodes you may enjoy: 

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

• How do employers really perceive your career break with Anika Stokes

  
  

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/⁠

Unlock the power of taking a break with Sabbatical Stories, a podcast hosted by Rebecca Thomas from Feel Good Getaways. Join Rebecca as she explores the transformative journeys of individuals who have dared to step off the beaten path and embrace the beauty of sabbaticals and career breaks. 

Through insightful and engaging discussions, Sabbatical Stories delves into the motivations behind taking breaks, the myths that surround them, and the invaluable benefits they bring – both to individuals and their employers.With a mission to inspire courage and normalize the concept of taking time off for personal growth, Sabbatical Stories is a beacon of light for those seeking inspiration and guidance on their journey to self-discovery.  Tune in to Sabbatical Stories and embark on a journey of possibility, fulfilment, and empowerment.

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/⁠