Manage Smarter 282 — Sabbaticals and Career Breaks with Laura Nguyen

HOSTED BY C. LEE SMITH AND AUDREY STRONG
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Laura Nguyen is an accomplished marketing executive and entrepreneur with a rich background in data-​driven marketing, digital marketing, and communications for Fortune 500 companies. She is the author of 'Career Break Compass: Navigating Your Path to a Balanced Life Through Intentional Time Off,' a book that explores the transformative potential of career breaks. 

Laura is also a certified executive coach, dedicated to helping mid-​career high-​achieving leaders transition from burnout to balance through her coaching programs and online community.

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In this podcast for sales managers and executive leadership, Audrey Strong, C. Lee Smith and Laura Nguyen help you to answer:

What are the different types of career breaks one can take? 

Career breaks can be voluntary or involuntary, such as a leave of absence, sabbatical, or layoff. Laura Nguyen emphasizes the importance of understanding these options and using them strategically to recharge and refocus.

How can taking a career break impact your career trajectory?

The fear of negative scrutiny is often an internal blocker rather than an external one. Laura Nguyen advises having open conversations with managers, as they may offer alternatives like a sabbatical or leave of absence to help employees recharge and return with more value.

What are the warning signs of burnout? 

There are physical, psychological, and emotional signs of burnout, such as frequent headaches, lack of confidence, and increased anxiety. Laura Nguyen stresses the importance of self-​awareness and monitoring these signs to address burnout before it becomes overwhelming.

How can managers support employees who need a break? 

Managers should recognize the courage it takes for employees to ask for a break and consider the type of break needed. Laura Nguyen recommends offering personalized support and encouraging employees to use the time to reflect on their career goals.

What is the role of time blocking in managing energy and productivity?

Laura Nguyen advocates for time blocking as a method to optimize energy and productivity. She recommends scheduling blocks for deep work, recovery, and administrative tasks to ensure balanced energy levels and maximize work efficiency.

Are you burned out?

Take Laura Nguyen's Burnout Quiz to find out at https://​www​.lauranguyen​.co/​r​e​s​o​u​r​ces

"84% of millennials plan to take a career break, highlighting a shift in work-​life balance priorities. But only 17% of organizations globally have a formal sabbatical program, offering a unique opportunity for companies to support employee well-being."

Laura Nguyen

#careerbreak #sabbatical #leaveofabsence #careerburnout #worklifebalance #overworked #workburnout #timeoff #personalgrowth #burnedout

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