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 fulfillment, and navigating...

What happens when you realise you don't want to go back to work? 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...

How much transformation can a career break bring? 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...

Could there be benefits to a Career Break before emigrating? 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...

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...

Lucy Lee 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...

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...

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...

What do employers really think of your career break or sabbatical?  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...

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...

Episode title: Kicking things off with the Queen of Career Breaks and Sabbaticals Episode description: How do you take a successful career break? 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: ...

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...

Can you re-frame redundancy to be a gift?  In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Steve Duke. He shares how a 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...