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/ Episode transcript:  Other episodes you may enjoy:  How volunteering in Africa can change your perspective with Jackson Lindsay-Egan Taking a career break to change professional direction and find fun again with Steve Duke 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 Career transition, sabbatical and career break coaching:  I’m a coach who supports individuals through pivotal moments of transition in both their personal and professional lives. I support those who are facing a crossroads to discover clarity. Working with you I empower you to invest in a future version of yourself that will make you proud. Through personalised coaching sessions and my signature career transition and sabbatical programs I aim to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for you to explore your values, strengths and goals. More importantly I coach you to intentionally design your next chapter by redefining what success looks like to you and then implementing it. Feel Good Getaways - https://feelgood-getaways.com/ 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: sabbatical, career break, pet sitting, fear of failure, imposter syndrome, lifestyle, finances, identity