RESOURCES

Glossary of Terms

Everything you need to know about burnout, career breaks, sabbaticals, and more.

Burnout Related Terms

What is burnout?
Emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion from prolonged stress.
What is compassion fatigue?
Emotional exhaustion and decreased ability to empathize, often affecting caregivers and helping professionals.
What is a Stress Cycle?
The process through which stress is triggered, peaks, and subsides. When unresolved, it can lead to burnout.
Work-Life Balance
A core component of burnout, characterized by feeling emotionally drained.
Emotional Exhaustion
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Boundary Setting
Establishing limits to protect personal energy and mental health.
Mental Health Day
A day taken off work to rest and recharge, addressing mental well-being.

Career Break-Related Terms

Career Break
A planned period away from professional work for personal, professional, or health reasons.
Sabbatical
A formal leave from work, typically offered by employers, to pursue personal growth, study, or rest.
Gap Year
A year-long break often taken for travel, volunteering, or personal development.
Hiatus
A pause or break in professional activity, typically less structured than a sabbatical.
Re-entry
The process of returning to the workforce after a career break.
Portfolio Career
A career composed of multiple part-time jobs, freelance work, or projects.
Career Pivot
A significant career change or transition, often following a break.

Leave of Absence Terms

Leave of Absence
A temporary break from employment, often for health, family, or educational reasons.
Family Leave
Leave taken to care for family members, including parental leave and caregiving leave.
Parental Leave
Time off for parents after the birth or adoption of a child.
Medical Leave
Leave taken for personal health reasons, often requiring documentation.
Unpaid Leave
Time off without compensation but with a guaranteed job return.
Paid Leave
Employer-provided time off with salary continuation.
Bereavement Leave
Time off to grieve the loss of a loved one.
Military Leave
Leave for active or reserve military service.

Resilience and Recovery Terms

Resilience
The ability to recover from setbacks or stress.
Self-care
Practices aimed at maintaining or improving mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Rejuvenation
The process of restoring energy and enthusiasm.
Mindfulness
Awareness and presence in the moment, often used to reduce stress.
Growth Mindset:
The belief in one’s ability to develop skills and adapt through effort.
Post-Burnout Growth
Positive psychological changes experienced after recovering from burnout.
Sustainable Productivity
Achieving high performance without compromising mental health or energy.
Re-skilling
Learning new skills during a career break to pivot or re-enter the workforce.

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