Embracing Career Breaks and Avoiding Burnout

Welcome to this edition of the "The Coaching Journey," a newsletter dedicated to sharing insights and advice from experienced coaches. In a recent episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host Justin Clymo sat down with Laura Nguyen, a renowned author, speaker, executive coach, and founder of Solle Solutions. The episode was a deep dive into the often challenging journey of balancing career and personal life, avoiding burnout, and finding purpose beyond professional achievements. Laura shared her personal story, professional insights, and actionable strategies to help others navigate similar paths. Below are the highlights and key takeaways from their enlightening conversation.

Introduction to Laura Nguyen: Laura Nguyen has built an impressive career in digital marketing, managing teams, and coaching individuals to achieve their career goals. But it wasn't always smooth sailing. Laura experienced severe burnout, leading her to take an intentional career break. This decision ultimately reshaped her professional trajectory and inspired her to help others do the same.

Understanding Burnout: The Three Categories

• Overwork: Excessive hours and energy spent on work or life roles.

• Under-challenged: Duties that do not utilize one’s skills or mastery, leading to stagnation.

• Neglect: Feeling undervalued or unappreciated at work or in personal commitments.

The Five Stages of Burnout: Using a cross-country drive analogy, Laura explains:

1. Honeymoon Phase: Enthusiasm and excitement about a new endeavor.

2. Onset of Stress: Initial stress factors begin to appear.

3. Chronic Stress: Persistent stress that starts causing overwhelming feelings.

4. Burnout: Full-blown burnout with physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion.

5. Habitual Burnout: Persistent condition leading to long-term burnout.

The Importance of Core Values: Laura stresses the significance of identifying core values, both for oneself and one’s team.

• Clarity on core values helps individuals set boundaries and make purpose-driven decisions.

• Leaders should engage team members to understand their core values and motivations to foster a supportive environment.

Reframing Success and Contribution: A major shift Laura advocates for is reframing success from external achievements to internal values and contribution. She encourages a focus on.

• Personal Narrative: Reflecting on life experiences to understand personal and professional motivations and limiting beliefs.

• Metrics of Success: Aligning personal success metrics with core values and purposeful impact rather than just titles and salaries.

Scheduling Play, Pause, and Plan: Laura implemented a structure of “play,” “pause,” and “plan” into her life during her career break, which she continues to incorporate weekly.

• Play: Engaging in joyful activities that can boost creativity and happiness.

• Pause: Taking time for mindfulness and relaxation to recharge.

• Plan: Setting intentional goals and aligning them with one's core values.

Tips for Implementing Play, Pause, and Plan

• Play: Identify and schedule activities that bring joy, such as sports, hobbies, or social events.

• Pause: Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation, nature walks, or journaling.

• Plan: Conduct regular reviews of core values and goals to stay aligned with what truly matters.

The Evolution of Work and Career Breaks: Laura highlights a generational shift where more individuals, especially millennials, are planning intentional career breaks. This reflects a broader understanding of the need for rest and realignment in sustaining long-term career and life satisfaction.

Top Ten Takeaways/Teachable Moments:

• Three Core Categories of Burnout: Overwork, under-challenged, and neglect are the primary drivers of burnout.

• Five Stages of Burnout: Understanding the phases can help in identifying and addressing burnout early.

• Core Values Alignment: Clarifying and aligning with core personal values can help set boundaries and make purposeful decisions.

• Importance of Play: Engaging in joyful activities boosts creativity and reduces stress.

• Mindful Pauses: Regular breaks and mindfulness practices are crucial to recharge and avoid burnout.

• Intentional Planning: Setting and revisiting intentional goals that align with core values ensures long-term satisfaction.

• Reframing Success: Shifting the focus from external achievements to internal values and meaningful contributions.

• Generational Shifts: Recognizing the increasing trend among millennials to take planned career breaks.

• Managing Guilt: Addressing feelings of guilt associated with stepping away from work and focusing on long-term purpose and fulfillment.

• Leadership and Management: Effective leadership, understanding team members' values, and fostering a supportive environment are key to retaining and motivating a team.

Laura Nguyen’s insights offer valuable guidance for anyone feeling the strain of balancing professional and personal life. By understanding the root causes of burnout, realigning with core values, and embracing intentional breaks, individuals can achieve a more fulfilling and sustainable approach to their careers and lives.

If you found these insights valuable, be sure to listen to the full episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast for an in-depth conversation between Justin Clymo and Laura Nguyen. Gain more strategies and anecdotes that might inspire you to take your own intentional steps toward avoiding burnout and finding a more fulfilling career path.

Listen to her episode here

If you enjoyed this newsletter and find it valuable, please subscribe and share widely within your network. 

Best regards, Justin Clymo

What Keeps Contacts Going.