The Happy Engineer | Career Success for Engineering Leadership

188: Sabbatical Secrets - How to Take an Intentional Career Break with Laura Nguyen

Sep 30, 2024

Laura Nguyen, a seasoned marketing executive and certified coach, shares her insights on the power of intentional sabbaticals. She reveals how breaks can enhance productivity and well-being, challenging the stigma around time off. The conversation delves into balancing work ethic with personal growth, the joy of problem-solving, and the necessity of mindfulness practices. Listeners learn about planning impactful career breaks, reflecting on values, and overcoming fears of re-entering the workforce, all key to fostering a fulfilled professional life.

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Intro

00:00 • 4min

Balancing Work and Rest

04:24 • 12min

Finding Joy in Problem-Solving: Exploring Fun Beyond Work

16:12 • 2min

The Power of Mindfulness

18:06 • 5min

Exploring Worthiness and Purpose Through Intentional Pauses

22:58 • 5min

Navigating Career Breaks and Personal Growth

27:47 • 17min

Exploring Intentional Career Breaks and Professional Growth

44:48 • 3min

Balancing Work Hours: The Importance of Intentional Breaks

48:15 • 3min

Embracing Intentional Time Off for Work-Life Balance

50:52 • 6min

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In this episode, we look at the underestimated value of taking strategic career breaks with Laura Nguyen, author of “Career Break Compass: Navigating Your Path to a Balanced Life Through Intentional Time Off.”

Laura is an experienced marketing executive with an extensive background in data-driven marketing, digital marketing and communications for Fortune 500 companies. She is also a certified executive coach, helping mid-career, high-achieving leaders go from burned out to balanced.

Her book shares practical steps to plan and execute a fulfilling and career-enriching break, and how structured time off can lead to significant gains in productivity and personal well-being.

The challenge of maintaining career momentum and drive amidst chronic overwork and lack of work-life balance is a serious issue for many mid- and senior-level professionals. Career breaks are increasingly recognized as essential for long-term career success and personal happiness, yet many don’t pursue them for fear of professional repercussions.

So press play and let’s chat… Laura’s insights will offer strategies and practical advice for intentional career pauses that enhance both personal and professional growth!

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