In this special New Year wrap-up episode, Bex and Aunty B sit down to reflect on the most meaningful moments from Season 3 of Sabbatical Stories, a season that explored what happens when we step away from work and give ourselves permission to question the blueprint. Across these conversations, we heard deeply human stories about family, identity, money, purpose, and growth. From financial planning and prototyping future lives, to motherhood, fatherhood, ritual, renewal, and building something new on the other side of a break, Season 3 showed that career breaks are rarely just about rest. They’re about recalibration. Whether you’re considering a sabbatical, navigating a career pause, or figuring out how to integrate what you’ve learned back into work and life, this episode brings together the most powerful insights from the season. We dive into: How financial planning can create peace of mind and expand what’s possible on a sabbatical Why prototyping life during a career break can unlock clarity and confidence The role of gratitude, reflection, and perspective when stepping away from work How identity shifts through parenthood, and major life transitions What career breaks can teach us about building businesses, brands, and careers that truly fit The power of ritual, renewal, and intentionally breaking away from inherited career blueprints Why time away often fuels deeper growth — personally, professionally, and with relationships Other episodes you may enjoy: The truth about career breaks: Research insights from PhD scholar Patrick Mazzocco How a career break can prepare you for emigration: Liz Ferguson’s sabbatical story 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 coach 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 Guest bio: Laura is a seasoned marketing leader turned fractional Head of Marketing with over 15 years’ experience building strategy, process, and campaigns for startups and scaling teams. After a transformative five-month sabbatical across Europe, she traded the corporate grind for a career that offers true freedom helping growing businesses solve big marketing challenges while living life on her own terms. When she’s not leading strategy sessions or supporting clients with marketing, Laura can be found sipping coffee in new cities, dancing at family weddings, or soaking up the Connecticut sunshine with her loved ones. 👉 Connect with Laura on LinkedIn 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/
