Career Break Compass

Summary

“For those grappling with burnout and the uncertainties of recovery, this compass emerges as an indispensable guide, offering strategic insights that navigate the journey toward renewal and a purpose-driven future." —Dr. Tamara Beckford, Burnout Prevention Expert, and CEO of UR Caring Docs

Career Break Compass is for mid- to high-level executives who are high achievers and goal-oriented decision makers finding themselves losing momentum and drive from overwork, lack of work-life balance, emotional exhaustion, and more. By telling her own story, the author shows how after recognizing that she was burned out in her career, she decided to take a three-month break. Rather than just taking the time off, she planned that time, breaking it into four sections: Play, Pause, Plan, and Pursue. She felt it was essential first to take the time to disengage from work and spend time with her family in Play. For Pause, she spent time on her own to slow down, meditate, and work on herself. That got her ready to Plan, where she investigated her core values and how she could incorporate those into her career. Pursue prepared her to re-enter the workforce. 

By interviewing others who have taken career breaks and sharing their stories, Laura gives readers a wide variety of options to take their own breaks–short or long. There are even a series of bite-sized break ideas for those who need a pause but don’t have the time or money to take off for three months.

Each chapter ends with questions for the reader that will help them thoughtfully plan a break that works for them. A QR code at the back of the book will lead readers to templates and worksheets online plus a developing community of like-minded people.