At Bain & Gray, we love keeping in touch with our alumni to hear about their adventures and successes after moving on. Today, we are thrilled to be speaking with our former Office Manager, Livvy, who recently took a bold step to pursue her passions. At 27, Livvy embarked on a career break to travel the world and dive deeply into her yoga teaching aspirations. Here, she shares her journey, lessons learned, and advice for anyone contemplating a similar path.

Livvy, it’s so lovely to catch up with you! First of all, tell us what inspired you to take such a bold career break?

Livvy: Thank you! It’s great to reconnect. Honestly, I had reached a point where I wanted to pursue my passion for yoga more seriously and experience the world beyond my 9-5. I had been balancing a full-time job in London while teaching yoga twice a week, but I started feeling a pull towards a different lifestyle. I wanted to give myself the time and space to fully commit to something creative and nourishing.

Part of your journey involved a yoga training which required you to take a significant digital detox away from your phone and laptop. How did that feel, especially at the start?

Livvy: At first, it was really daunting. I’m so attached to my phone – like most of us are! But after a few days, I started to feel the incredible benefits. Without my phone in the evenings, I was naturally going to bed earlier, around 8:45pm, and waking up before sunrise at 5am. That simple shift brought so much structure to my day. I felt more rested and energised.

One big takeaway from the detox was just how much content we absorb daily. During my yoga training, we were only allowed to check our phones once a day, after lunch, to quickly connect with friends and family. But I noticed that even an hour with my phone made me feel distracted and less focused during our afternoon sessions. It highlighted how much mental space is taken up by constant scrolling, notifications, and information overload.

You recently completed your Ashtanga Yoga training. What were some of the key lessons you took away from that experience?

Livvy: The training taught me the importance of routine, self-discipline, and sacrifice. If you want to achieve something, you need consistency and dedication to yield results. For example, we would start our mornings with asana practice followed by an hour of self-guided pranayama (breathwork). It was a reminder that committing to a regular practice, no matter how small, can bring significant growth.

Another big lesson was the value of slowing down. It was a quieter period for me – a time for introspection, grounding, and rest. Even if someone doesn’t practise yoga, there’s so much value in carving out time for yourself in the morning. London life, in particular, can feel like a constant rush, and it’s easy to burn the candle at both ends.

Blocking time for yourself in your calendar – and not feeling guilty about it – is so important. It’s a way to prioritise your well-being and find clarity.

That’s such a valuable perspective. What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about taking a creative career break like yours?

Livvy: Don’t be afraid of change. When I was in London, I had a steady income and a secure 9-5 job. Taking the leap to travel and pursue yoga full-time was a big shift. I was living off my savings, and every day was new. But change can be so liberating.

I would also say: don’t compare yourself to others. It’s so easy to get caught up in what friends or peers are doing, especially when they’re getting big promotions or bonuses. But the question is: are they truly happy? Are they aligned with their values? You’re on your own path, and it’s okay for your journey to look different.

Rest is productive. Some of my best ideas and biggest realisations came from moments of stillness and slowing down. Taking a step back allows you to move forward with greater clarity and direction.

That’s such a refreshing outlook. What were some of the biggest personal takeaways from your time away?

Livvy: Gratitude, clarity, and perspective. When you’re stuck in the same routine, it’s easy to feel sluggish or uninspired. Stepping away from that grind gave me so much appreciation for where I’ve been and what’s possible next.

Travelling gave me new perspectives. Meeting people from different cultures and exploring new places reminded me how much beauty there is in the world. Even from a practical perspective, it opened up new opportunities that I wouldn’t have come across if I had stayed in my comfort zone.

It also reinforced that rest and creative time are just as important as ‘doing’. Sometimes the best way to move forward is to pause, breathe, and trust that the path will reveal itself.

Any last words of wisdom for our readers?

Livvy: Give yourself permission to rest and recharge. Block time in your day for things that bring you joy or calm – and don’t feel guilty about it. Community is also so important. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and lift you up.

And remember: every opportunity to meet new people or explore new places is good for the soul. You never know where it might lead you.

Livvy, thank you so much for sharing your story with us. Your journey is so inspiring, and I’m sure it will resonate with many of our readers.

Livvy: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure!

Explore More About Livvy’s Journey

Dive deeper into Livvy’s story by exploring our earlier features and podcast episode: