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Career Break Compass: Navigating Your Path to a Balanced Life Through Intentional Time Off
Reignite your career passion with Career Break Compass: a strategic guide to reclaiming work-life balance through meaningful breaks, complete with actionable plans and a supportive community.
Career Break Compass is for mid- to high-level executives who are high achievers and goal oriented decision makers who find 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 Play, Pause, Plan, and Pursue. She felt it was essential to first 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, in which she investigated what her core values were 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 the wide varieties of options they have to take their own breaks–short or long. There are even a series of bite-sized break ideas for those who need a break 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 their own 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 also exploring and/or taking career breaks.
By the end of the book, readers will have the tools they need to plan and execute a career break and then return, either to their existing job or maybe something completely new, refreshed, motivated, and ready to work with a plan that will keep them from falling into old burnout traps.
Career Break Compass is for mid- to high-level executives who are high achievers and goal oriented decision makers who find 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 Play, Pause, Plan, and Pursue. She felt it was essential to first 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, in which she investigated what her core values were 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 the wide varieties of options they have to take their own breaks–short or long. There are even a series of bite-sized break ideas for those who need a break 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 their own 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 also exploring and/or taking career breaks.
By the end of the book, readers will have the tools they need to plan and execute a career break and then return, either to their existing job or maybe something completely new, refreshed, motivated, and ready to work with a plan that will keep them from falling into old burnout traps.
232 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2024
6 people are currently reading
2396 people want to read
About the author
LAURA NGUYEN
2 books11 followersLaura Nguyen is a former corporate executive turned entrepreneur and coach. For twenty years, Laura led high-performing marketing teams within rapidly expanding consumer and B2B enterprises. After personally experiencing burnout, she devised an exit strategy, taking a deliberate career break to recalibrate, rejuvenate, and prepare for the next phase of her personal and professional journey.
As a certified executive coach and course facilitator, Laura guides high-achieving professionals in navigating the transition from burnout to balance. Committed to fostering sustainable success, her proactive and collaborative approach empowers leaders to craft lives centered on alignment with core values, freedom, and impact.
Laura is the founder of Solle Solutions, a marketing consulting firm specializing in performance and digital marketing strategies. Today, she runs her growing business from Des Moines, Iowa.
As a certified executive coach and course facilitator, Laura guides high-achieving professionals in navigating the transition from burnout to balance. Committed to fostering sustainable success, her proactive and collaborative approach empowers leaders to craft lives centered on alignment with core values, freedom, and impact.
Laura is the founder of Solle Solutions, a marketing consulting firm specializing in performance and digital marketing strategies. Today, she runs her growing business from Des Moines, Iowa.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 19, 2024
📚 Unlocking Life's Compass: A Journey to Self-Care and Purpose.
Career Break Compass by Laura Nguyen is an invaluable guide for professionals facing burnout, offering a practical and compassionate roadmap for taking an intentional career break. Through a blend of personal stories, coaching insights, and interviews, Nguyen helps readers recognize the signs of burnout and take meaningful steps toward recovery.
The book is divided into three parts, focusing on decision-making, structuring the break, and reintegrating into work. Nguyen emphasizes that taking a career break isn’t about running away from responsibilities but about planning with purpose—whether that’s for rest, exploration, or personal growth. She offers actionable exercises, like journaling prompts and stress management techniques, making the book interactive and deeply reflective.
One standout aspect is author’s clear, empathetic approach. Her honesty about her own struggles with corporate burnout adds authenticity and depth. The advice is holistic, encouraging readers to not just pause but to evaluate what truly matters in life, whether through passion projects or redefining career goals.
There’s also a lot of focus on self-awareness—listening to your body, recognizing the signals of burnout, and not ignoring that little voice inside that tells you something needs to change. Author’s advice isn’t about making a huge life change overnight. Instead, it’s about small, intentional shifts that can make a world of difference over time.
In a bunch pages, this book provides a thoughtful guide to stepping back from the grind, helping readers create a balanced, fulfilling future both personally and professionally.
Career Break Compass by Laura Nguyen is an invaluable guide for professionals facing burnout, offering a practical and compassionate roadmap for taking an intentional career break. Through a blend of personal stories, coaching insights, and interviews, Nguyen helps readers recognize the signs of burnout and take meaningful steps toward recovery.
The book is divided into three parts, focusing on decision-making, structuring the break, and reintegrating into work. Nguyen emphasizes that taking a career break isn’t about running away from responsibilities but about planning with purpose—whether that’s for rest, exploration, or personal growth. She offers actionable exercises, like journaling prompts and stress management techniques, making the book interactive and deeply reflective.
One standout aspect is author’s clear, empathetic approach. Her honesty about her own struggles with corporate burnout adds authenticity and depth. The advice is holistic, encouraging readers to not just pause but to evaluate what truly matters in life, whether through passion projects or redefining career goals.
There’s also a lot of focus on self-awareness—listening to your body, recognizing the signals of burnout, and not ignoring that little voice inside that tells you something needs to change. Author’s advice isn’t about making a huge life change overnight. Instead, it’s about small, intentional shifts that can make a world of difference over time.
In a bunch pages, this book provides a thoughtful guide to stepping back from the grind, helping readers create a balanced, fulfilling future both personally and professionally.
December 15, 2024
Career Break Compass - A Must-Read for Anyone Battling Burnout
Career Break Compass is a must-read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their career. Laura Nguyen offers a clear, structured approach to taking a break that actually helps you reset and refocus. The Play, Pause, Plan, Pursue framework felt manageable and real. I especially appreciated the personal stories and practical tips from others who’ve been there. Whether you're thinking of a long break or just need a quick reset, this book offers a smart, sustainable way to find balance and avoid burnout in the future.
Career Break Compass is a must-read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their career. Laura Nguyen offers a clear, structured approach to taking a break that actually helps you reset and refocus. The Play, Pause, Plan, Pursue framework felt manageable and real. I especially appreciated the personal stories and practical tips from others who’ve been there. Whether you're thinking of a long break or just need a quick reset, this book offers a smart, sustainable way to find balance and avoid burnout in the future.
August 13, 2024
I loved this book! It has personal stories and stories from her clients, which helped make me realize I wasn't alone in feeling burned out. It's well thought out and gives detailed steps on how to successfully plan for and take a career break, long or short. The quotes that start each chapter are inspiring and well chosen. If you're burned out and concerned about how to achieve the work/life balance that you desire, this book is a must read.
November 13, 2024
This book is great for anyone who is taking time off from work, planned or unplanned. I wish I had this book when I took a career break 2 years ago. I didn't have a plan and I definitely would have made my time off more intentional if I had this book. I think I would have enjoyed my time off more too because I would have created space and given myself permission to have more fun.
October 28, 2024
This book has made me realize that many of us experience burnout, even those in higher positions. It’s reassuring to know I'm not alone in this struggle. The author speaks directly to my experience, making it feel personal and relatable. I'm grateful to have found this resource—kudos to the author!
January 9, 2026
Good pointers in this book for anyone considering a career break. I thought everything was a bit too structured to properly play and pause, but I'm sure it's helpful for others.
January 10, 2025
First, I want to thank the author, Laura Nguyen, for the advance copy. All reviews are my own and not influenced in any shape or form.
Burnout is real. Although I think most people will look at this book and think "I can't do this!" the author wants people to know that burnout affects not just the person with the symptoms, but also all those around them. The book is thoroughly researched and gives readers steps and resources that everyone can use in order to deal with maintaining a work/life balance. The book is witty and has great examples and antidotes that are inspiring. I really loved the tie to the water and personal story Nguyen adds. The quotes are also a great touch.
Burnout is real. Although I think most people will look at this book and think "I can't do this!" the author wants people to know that burnout affects not just the person with the symptoms, but also all those around them. The book is thoroughly researched and gives readers steps and resources that everyone can use in order to deal with maintaining a work/life balance. The book is witty and has great examples and antidotes that are inspiring. I really loved the tie to the water and personal story Nguyen adds. The quotes are also a great touch.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews