16. How to Take A Career Break and Return Stronger: An In-Depth Guide

Have you ever wanted to take a career break? Maybe you’ve taken one and want to get inspiration for the next one? Perhaps you’re curious about how you can make them a part of your organisation’s talent strategy?

Career breaks done well can provide massive benefits for your professional and personal life. This conversation gives you both ideas for the inspiration and implementation of your own career break, as well as ideas for how they can benefit organisations looking to retain and develop their talent.

This episode is a conversation between three colleagues - Katie Hair, Jodi Willocks, Colm Kearney and me. We’ve all recently taken career breaks and gotten a huge amount from them. 

We discuss:

(00:09) Introduction to the conversation on career breaks

(06:36) The difference between a "sabbatical" vs. "career break"

(10:36) Recognising when it's time for a change

(15:34) How we frame our time away from work

(20:51) Practical preparations: Financial planning and communication strategies

(29:03) The value of creating space and renewal

(38:18) Why career breaks should be normalised in the future of work

(44:24) The "evaporation" phase: letting everything go to see what remains

(49:18) How breaks accelerate personal growth and leadership development

(54:24) Navigating the emotional journey of a career break

(01:01:11) Practical tools for making the most of your break

(01:07:04) How organisations could better support career breaks

(01:16:02) Final advice for those considering a break

(01:21:36) Conclusion and resources at digbyscott.com/careerbreak

You can learn more about my guests at: 

• Katie Hair: https://www.katiehair.co.nz/ (and check out Episode 5 for a deep dive conversation with Katie)
• Jodi Willocks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-willocks-6b035446/
• Colm Kearney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colm-kearney/

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