Have you ever felt the urge to hit pause on your career without walking away entirely? Or maybe you’re ready to quit but wondering how to plan a break that works financially while setting yourself up for what’s next? This week’s guest, Laura Nguyen, knows exactly how to navigate these crossroads. After stepping back from her role as a marketing executive to take a career break, Laura founded Solle Solutions, her own marketing consultancy. Now a passionate advocate for career breaks, she’s on a mission to help people—especially women—redefine their relationship with work and reclaim their time.Join us for an insightful discussion as Erin and Laura as we delve into the nuances of career breaks, combating burnout, and giving yourself the green light to prioritize your own needs. We cover:Unpacking different types of career breaks: employer-sponsored sabbaticals, medical or voluntary leaves of absence, or resigning to explore new paths.Unlearning the culture of overwork and self-sacrifice to foster a healthier, more balanced relationship with your career.The why and how of syncing professional choices with your personal priorities.Practical steps to collaborate with your employer for a break or prepare financially for an independent hiatus.What millennials and Gen Z can teach us about speaking up for mental health, fair treatment, and work-life balance.Understanding the different types of burnout, their impact on life, and how to manage it, especially for those carrying the weight of domestic and emotional labor.Strategies to return after a break with joy, reflection, and a clear plan for your next chapter.OUR GUEST: LAURA NGUYEN is an experienced marketing executive and entrepreneur with an extensive background in data-driven marketing, digital marketing and communications for Fortune 500 companies. She is the founder of Solle Solutions, a marketing consultancy. Laura is also a certified executive coach, helping mid-career, high-achieving leaders go from burned out to balanced through her coaching program and online community. Laura received her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science at Truman State University, and her Master in Business Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology. She lives in Des Moines, Iowa, with her family.Want more Laura? Find her online at https://www.lauranguyen.co/ and check out her book, “Career Break Compass: Navigating Your Path to a Balanced Life Through Intentional Time Off” https://www.amazon.com/Career-Break-Compass-Navigating-Intentional/dp/1685557325Follow her on:Instagram: @lauranguyen.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauran546/Want more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper. Find episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod Facebook: @hotterthaneverpod Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode. We’d love to hear what you think about the show - it helps us know what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review!Mentioned in this episode:Broad CollectiveLearn more about Broad Collective and our membership network for midlife women entrepreneurs at broadcollective.com. Apply to join Broad Collective at https://broad-collective-co.mn.co/landing