In this thoughtful episode of Sabbatical Stories, Bex sits down with Mark Hughes, leadership coach, facilitator and former CEO to explore the often-overlooked emotional landscape of going back to work after time away.

His reflections reveal the complexity of returning to a role that is both purposeful and familiar and how ambivalence can be a healthy, insightful response rather than a problem to fix.

For high-achieving professionals who assume a sabbatical must result in a bold reinvention, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective. Sometimes the value of a break lies not in radical change, but in deeper self-awareness and renewed appreciation for work that already fits.

We dive into:

The emotional reality of returning to work after a career break

Why you don’t need a dramatic epiphany for a sabbatical to be valuable

The role of curiosity in navigating career transitions

How to interpret feelings of ambivalence towards work

The difference between dissatisfaction and healthy reflection

Why wanting more time away doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new career

The complexity of work-related emotions during life transitions

Other episodes you may enjoy: 

How to take a career break like a pro: Katerina McGee, The Queen of time off

From Career Break to Creative Passion: How Santosh Mahale Rediscovered Art During His Sabbatical

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.

👉 Grab your free copy ⁠here⁠

Guest bio: Mark Hughes is an experienced trainer, mentor, coach and facilitator with a strong track record of developing leaders across sectors and continents. Mark works one-to-one with individuals from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds, both in the UK and internationally, and facilitates board away days, multi-day residential programmes and complex team conversations. As Director of mch, he also speaks at regional and national conferences, delivers high-impact workshops, and provides consultancy, team development and non-executive support to organisations seeking to strengthen their leadership capability and positive impact.

Get in touch with Mark via LinkedIn or directly through his website mch

With special thanks to: 

Aunty B at The Flaxen, our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine. 

Nicky Sweetland, our brilliant creative force behind all things social media and visual, whose eye for detail and design brings the podcast to life beyond the mic.

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:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7EyKy53TsVFLJFZFyYzBZQ?si=HaCSIRCETS2uYB3LBLcrWA

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/

Folgen-ID: 1000764636819

GUID: a054a86c-51a2-4818-8db2-52efa71e149b

Erscheinungs­datum: 30.4.2026, 06:56:00