In this episode, Susie Chou shares her transformative experience of taking a year-long sabbatical with her husband, traveling to all seven continents. Susie reflects on the personal growth and relationship building that occurred during their travels, as well as the challenges of transitioning back to work after such a significant break. She also offers valuable tips for anyone considering a sabbatical, emphasising the importance of understanding one's intentions and slowing down to fully appreciate the experience. Together, we explore:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment
01:31 Suzy Chow's Sabbatical Journey
10:05 Planning the Sabbatical
19:07 Experiences Across Seven Continents
23:54 Transitioning Back to Work
28:02 Starting a New Venture
33:09 Top Tips for Taking a Sabbatical
Guest bio: Susie Chau is a former IT Management Consultant who took a transformative year-long career break with her husband, traveling across all seven continents. Inspired by her journey, she returned to the corporate world but soon felt the pull to help others experience the power of travel. In 2016, she launched her travel agency as a side hustle, and by 2018, she took the leap into full-time entrepreneurship. Since then, she has helped hundreds of people explore the world. In 2023, Susie expanded her mission beyond vacations—she now helps professionals live abroad for a month or more, shifting their focus from work mode to life mode.
Learn more about Susie by visiting herwebsite or connecting with her onLinkedIn
Get in touch: If you are interested in sharing your sabbatical story, we would love to hear from you. Buzz us a DM on Instagram - @Sabbatical_Stories or reach out on LinkedIn - Bex Thomas.
Career transition, sabbatical and career break coaching:
As a career transition, sabbatical, and career break coach, I inspire, challenge, and support people like you to create a life that feels deeply aligned with your values, dreams, and authentic self.
Whether you’re craving a new direction, a chance to pause, or the courage to pursue what really matters, I’m here to guide you toward your own version of success on your terms.
Together, we’ll break free from societal blueprints, rewrite the rules, and design a future you’re excited to wake up to.
Learn more here
💫 Ready to make the most of your time away from work
Download my free guide, "5 Ways to Maximise Your Career Break", packed with practical tips and soulful insights to help you pause with purpose and return with clarity.
Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already on sabbatical, this is your essential companion.
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With special thanks to:
Aunty B at the Flaxen, our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine.
Joanna Cooke, whose soulful blend of smooth vocals we are lucky enough to use throughout the show. Listen and connect with Joanna via your favourite medium:
Website - https://joannacooke.co.uk
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/