327.How to Take Structured Time Off with Laura Nguyen

Women at Halftime

How many of us feel like we need time off? I can feel all the affirmative head nods at answering that question! Most of us take vacations. But what is entailed in a real career break with structured time off? Is it something that more employers and even small businesses should consider for some of their team members? What are the implications, both financially and with productivity? Also, what are the implications for the person taking a career break? Is it too risky? Is too much professional momentum lost for both the employer and employee? We answer some of those questions today in this interview with Laura Nguyen who has an extensive background in helping high-achieving leaders go from burned out to balanced.

Takeaways: 1. Take time to play, pause, plan and pursue. 2. Find your circle of trusted and truthful contacts that know how to ask the right type of questions for you to gain clarity. 3. It's possible to take a career break without sacrificing your professional momentum/trajectory and cultural attitudes towards career breaks have shifted significantly 4. Define one fun activity for this next week. Contact Laura at: https://lauranguyen.co or https://sollesolutions.com

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CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction 01:59 - Laura Nguyen's Background 06:43 - Career Break vs. Vacation 10:38 - Common Fears of Taking a Career Break 18:16 - Duration of a Career Break 20:40 - Overcoming Burnout and Hesitation 22:46 - Importance of Trusted Friends 27:01 - Long-Term Benefits of a Career Break 31:40 - Employer's Role in Career Breaks 34:54 - Mental Obstacles to Taking a Break 38:21 - Key Takeaway for Listeners 41:47 - How to Contact Laura 43:20 - Outro