When I first started dreaming about taking a career break, my mind went straight to one thing, freedom, certainly not the lack of community I’d find on a career break.

Freedom from the relentless early alarms. Freedom to spend mornings with a slow coffee and a magazine. Freedom to finally explore what I wanted next out of life. Freedom to breathe.

What I wasn’t prepared for was the quiet.

The quiet of being the only person in my circle daring to step off the traditional career ladder. The quiet that followed when I shared my plans with friends, only to be met with raised eyebrows or cautious concern. The quiet that replaced the everyday chatter of colleagues, routines, and structure.

As exciting as my decision was, there were moments when that quiet turned into loneliness.

The Loneliness No One Talks About

If you’ve ever considered taking or have taken a sabbatical or career break, this feeling might sound familiar.

In the planning phase, my excitement was tangled with doubt. How much money would I need? Where should I start? Was I doing the right thing?

With very few people in my circle who’d done something similar, I often felt like I was fumbling my way forward alone.

Once the break began, I loved the freedom, but it could also feel disorienting. Without colleagues to check in with or a clear structure to lean on, some days felt strangely adrift.

And as I thought about returning, the questions grew louder: What’s next? Do I even want to go back to what I was doing before? Do I still value the same things?

Each stage brought its own set of challenges. And while my friends and family cared deeply, they couldn’t truly understand the experience because they hadn’t lived it themselves.

That’s when I realised something vital: a career break is so much easier, and far richer, when you don’t walk it alone.

Why Finding a Career Break Community Changes Everything

Finding a career break community turned out to be the missing piece I didn’t know I needed. It wasn’t just about company or conversation, it was about connecting with people who truly got it.

People who could nod along with my fears instead of dismissing them, who celebrated the wins only a fellow career breaker would understand, and who reminded me I wasn’t naïve for stepping off the treadmill, I was brave.

Here’s what being part of a career break support group brought into my experience:

Validation and understanding. I could speak openly about my hopes and fears without needing to defend them. That sense of being seen lifted a huge weight.

Inspiration. Listening to others share their stories from retraining to volunteering abroad to simply resting sparked ideas I’d never have considered on my own.

Practical wisdom. I learned useful tips about structuring my time, managing finances, and preparing for re-entry. It saved me so much trial-and-error stress.

Support on the hard days. Doubts inevitably crept in, but having a group to lean on kept me moving forward instead of spiralling.

Connections and opportunities. Some of the people I met became close friends, collaborators, and even professional contacts later on.

Momentum. Watching others take their own steps gave me the energy to keep taking mine.

In short, community gave me the scaffolding to make my career break not just possible, but purposeful.

That’s Why I’ve Partnered with BreakSpace – The ultimate Career Break Community

Because of how powerfully community shaped my own experience, I knew I wanted to help others find the same support. That’s why I’ve partnered with BreakSpace a dedicated sabbatical and career break community for those at every stage of the journey.

Whether you’re still in the “should I, shouldn’t I?” phase, mid-break and feeling a little lost, or starting to plan your return, BreakSpace provides:

• Direct access to two leading career break experts who can answer questions and guide your planning.
• A supportive network of fellow career breakers eager to share wisdom, encouragement, and real-life experiences.
• A safe, judgment-free space to explore ideas, voice frustrations, and celebrate milestones.

It’s for anyone who’s ever thought:

“I’d love to take a break but don’t know where to start.”
“I’ve been thinking about it for years and can’t make the leap.”
“I want the confidence of having a proper plan.”
“I’m already on a break but need support with what comes next.”

Taking time away from your career can be one of the most transformative choices you’ll ever make. But “transformative” doesn’t always mean simple and it definitely doesn’t have to mean doing it alone.

My Gift to You – A Career Break Community

Because I believe so deeply in what BreakSpace offers, I’ve teamed up with them to make it even easier for you to get started.

I can give you instant access, so there’s no need to be on the waitlist until doors open again. Plus, you can get 30% off your first month as an extra incentive to take the leap and get the support you’re craving.

👉Use this special link to get instant access: https://www.gobreakspace.com/join 

👉 And use the discount code BEX30 at checkout for a 30% discount on your first month.

When you’re surrounded by the right people, doubts feel lighter, clarity comes faster, and momentum builds naturally as you move toward a life that truly feels like yours.

A career break isn’t just about pressing pause on work it’s about opening the door to possibility. And with a supportive career break community beside you, those possibilities start to feel within reach.

Curious to find your people? Give BreakSpace a try. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

It’s so simple to get started today:

👉 Join instantly (no waitlist!) via www.gobreakspace.com/join and use my code BEX30 for 30% off your first month.