How do you support a loved one through the milestone of a career break? Jennifer Anderson shares her experience as the wife of someone who took a career break. She discusses the signs that indicated her husband needed a break, the value of a career break coach, and how they navigated the break as a family. Jennifer emphasises the importance of normalising career breaks and supporting loved ones in taking time off. She also highlights the need for flexibility and evolution in relationships during a sabbatical. We discuss amongst other topics: Why as a partner or family member you need to be prepared for your own personal growth and evolution during the sabbatical period. The importance of boundaries and respect for each other's roles and responsibilities during the break. The impacts of going back to work too early after a career break. Why sometimes it’s important to hold the mirror up for our loved ones. How to focus on finding ways to make the break possible for both individuals. The importance of not letting external opinions or judgments influence your decision to support a career break. Timestamps 02:19 Recognising the Need for a Sabbatical 08:11 Considering Different Career Paths 11:32 Preparing for the Sabbatical 14:46 Supporting the Sabbatical Journey 19:14 Challenges and Adjustments 22:54 Returning to Work and Reflections 28:13 Impact on the Family and Relationships 31:38 Tips for Supporting a Sabbatical 36:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Guest bio: Jennifer is a Mother, Wife, Personal Brand Strategist, Author, Trainer, Speaker and Coach with 26+ years’ experience. and her goal is to help you become the Ambassador of YOUR Personal Brand! To find out more about Jens work, connect with her on LinkedIn or visit her website- https://movingforwardsolutions.com Episode transcript: Other episodes you may enjoy: How Volunteering in Africa Transformed My Perspective | Life Lessons from Jackson Lindsay-Egan How a Career Break Helped Steve Duke Pivot Professionally and Rediscover Fun 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, transition, support, family, flexibility, evolution