Sabbatical Stories – Details, episodes & analysis

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/⁠

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/⁠

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/⁠

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/⁠

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/⁠