In this special wrap-up episode, Bex and Aunty B reflect on the most powerful moments from Season 2. Together, they explore expert insights, inspiring personal stories, and the unexpected lessons learned from people who took time out of traditional work to reset, travel, grow, and reconnect.

Whether you're planning a sabbatical, dreaming of a mid-career break, or wondering how to return to work after time away, this episode brings together the best of what Season 2 offered.

We dive into:

• Debunking common myths about career breaks and sabbaticals and what the latest research really says

• Why identity is a central theme in understanding career breaks.

• How it's essential to solve for the 'why' behind a sabbatical.

• Planning and financial preparation for a successful break.

• How timing plays a significant role in when to take a sabbatical.

• The fact that many people find life post-break to be better than pre-break.

• Why expectations of a sabbatical may not always align with reality.

• How prototyping life allows individuals to experiment with new directions.

• The fact that courage is needed to embrace change and new paths.

Timestamps

Will follow soon!

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 - ⁠Bex Thomas.⁠

Career transition, sabbatical and career break coaching:

As a career transition, sabbatical, 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

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/

In this conversation, Santosh Mahale shares his unique sabbatical journey, taking a break from a career he loves as a management consultant, to pursuing his passion for art and oil painting.

He discusses the origins of his interest in painting, the decision to take a sabbatical, and the challenges and successes he faced along the way.

Santosh emphasises the importance of having clear goals, the need for balance in life, and the unexpected support he received from his international network. He also reflects on the creative process behind his artwork and offers valuable advice for those considering a sabbatical to pursue a creative passion.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Sabbatical Stories

01:15 Santosh's Journey: From Engineer to Artist

02:44 The Tipping Point: Why Take a Sabbatical?

07:01 Establishing an Art Style and First Exhibition

12:25 Navigating the Sabbatical Experience

15:06 Finding Balance in Life and Art

18:09 Expectations vs. Reality of a Sabbatical

27:32 Unexpected Success and Support

32:49 Top Tips for Taking a Sabbatical

Guest bio: Santosh is a management consultant with over 20 years experience in the industry. Recently he has transitioned to working independently as a freelance consultant, while also pursuing his long-standing passion for fine art professionally Find Santosh and his art at these links:

https://santoshmahale.com/

https://www.instagram.com/santoshmahale.art/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/santoshmahale/

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, sabbatical, 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

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:

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/⁠

In this conversation, Martina McDermott shares her sabbatical journey, reflecting on her experiences traveling through the Americas and the motivations behind taking time off from her career. She discusses the importance of defining what a sabbatical means, the triggers that led her to take a break, and the challenges of preparing for such a significant life change.

Martina also explores the concepts of boredom and burnout, the financial strategies she employed to save for her travels, and the lessons learned about being present and intentional during her time away.

Upon returning to work, she reflects on the reality of her situation and the need to align her values with her career goals.Martina shares her experiences of finding her 'mojo' after a break, the lessons learned from her career transitions, and the importance of preparation when starting a new business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment

01:27 Martina's Background and Early Career

03:09 The First Sabbatical Experience

06:37 Triggers for Taking a Break

09:39 The Role of Boredom and Burnout

12:26 Preparing for the Sabbatical

15:01 Saving for the Sabbatical

16:15 Intentions Behind the Sabbatical

19:15 Reflection and Journaling

21:49 Returning to Work After the Sabbatical

24:21 Reality Check: Returning to the Same Role

27:18 Challenges Faced Post-Sabbatical

30:01 Unexpected Joys of Travel

30:56 Lessons Learned for Future Breaks

32:32 Building a New Business

34:09 Top Tips for Career Breaks

Guest bio: Martina helps life sciences companies hire exceptional people. With 25+ years in life sciences recruitment across pharma, biotech, medical devices, diagnostics, OTC, and health tech she has built a reputation for rigour, depth, and never cutting corners.
Find Martina and Peridot Life Sciences Recruitment at the following links:

https://www.weareperidot.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinamcdermott

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, sabbatical, 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

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:

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/⁠