In this Season 4 episode of Sabbatical Stories, Ana Izvorska shares her powerful career break and sabbatical journey after nearly two decades working in humanitarian crisis response with the UN and Red Cross.
After years in high-intensity humanitarian environments, Ana chose to step back and take a sabbatical because she needed space to re-evaluate what impact meant for her next chapter.
We explore what motivates someone to pause a mission-driven career, how to plan a meaningful sabbatical, and what happens when returning to work doesn’t unfold as expected. Ana shares how volunteering in animal welfare became a way to prototype future career possibilities, how she mapped out different professional pathways during her break, and why stepping away ultimately reshaped her understanding of freedom, identity and long-term impact.
We dive into:
What sparked her decision to take a career break after years in humanitarian work
How she created a visual “career map” during her sabbatical
Using volunteering as a low-risk way to test a potential career change
Navigating the uncertainty of returning to work post-sabbatical
What happens when a career transition doesn’t go to plan
Redefining professional identity beyond titles and organisations
Why her sabbatical reshaped her view of freedom, exploration and impact
Timestamps
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Other episodes you may enjoy:
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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Guest bio: Ana is a humanitarian professional with nearly two decades of international experience across the Red Cross, United Nations and now FOUR PAWS. Working in complex environments including Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Armenia and Mozambique her career has focused on migration, displacement, crisis response and protecting vulnerable communities, often operating at the frontline of global emergencies. Driven by purpose and impact, Ana has dedicated her professional life to serving those affected by conflict and instability.
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/
