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Episode 83 - Mastering the Art of Being Present on a Career Break Welcome back to another episode! Katrina and James dive deep into one of the most vital yet overlooked skills for anyone taking a career break: being present. If you have spent months or years working hard, saving money, and planning your escape from burnout, the last thing you want to do is reach your break only to spend the entire time worrying about the future or reliving the past. In this episode, Katrina breaks down why our brains are naturally wired to pull us away from the current moment, how high achievers accidentally bring the corporate productivity hamster wheel onto their sabbatical, and why learning the art of being present is essential for true burnout recovery. You will learn actionable strategies split into "being" and "doing" practices—ranging from simple five-senses check-ins and gratitude brainstorms to carving out white space and taking the literal long way home. Whether you are currently on a career break, planning your future sabbatical, or simply looking to bring more peace and mindfulness into your daily life, this episode offers the exact mindset shift you need to make your small moments sweeter and your big moments better. If you are ready to design your own life-changing break, visit GoBreakSpace.com to explore Breakspace—our ultimate launchpad featuring courses, live coaching calls, expert-led masterclasses, and a global community of like-minded professionals. Enjoying the podcast? ⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! 💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast. 📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear. ❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change. ▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to career break presence  01:21 – Welcoming Katrina back from Australia  03:08 – The psychology of adult distraction  05:12 – Mental health and stress reduction  09:06 – Exploring the core being practices  13:03 – Chad's real-world productivity realization  16:29 – Actionable tools for active doing  19:33 – Taking the long way home  21:51 – Treating presence like a muscle Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love? 🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience. 🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Episode 82 - How Quitting Corporate Life and Traveling the World Sparked a Career Break Movement on the Winging It Travel Podcast Ever wonder where it all began? In this special vault episode, we turn back the clock to the very first time Katrina McGhee appeared as a guest on James Hammond’s Winging It Travel Podcast—long before books, bestseller lists, or Taking a Career Break even existed. Join us as Katrina shares her raw, unfiltered story of hitting emotional rock bottom in her corporate career, saving $40,000 to quit her job, and embarking on a transformative 20-month solo journey across Colombia, Argentina, France, Italy, and Vietnam that changed her life forever. Listen to last week's episode where Katrina came on for a second time on Winging It to talk about her book deal, more career break chat and how she assessed the movement at that time. Episode 81 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7v0TvSGlIIA8tUtlCAicB0?si=q3bvOZW2RQec8Ul0UXBxZA Check out Winging It Travel Podcast here - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/winging-it-travel-podcast/id1559489384 https://open.spotify.com/show/6ruzP0SCwPEOIchzbl10P8?si=4d48800d19db4d6f Enjoying the podcast? ⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! 💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast. 📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear. ❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change. ▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Katrina’s introduction: Where it all began 03:36 – From corporate life to a 20-month worldwide adventure 08:43 – Feeling like an outsider and wanting to explore the world 12:49 – Hitting rock bottom, planning a career break and saving $40,000 18:28 – Planning a three-month road trip across the USA 20:04 – Starting the international adventure in Colombia 22:27 – First impressions of Medellín and Colombia’s incredible hospitality 26:47 – Argentina, Buenos Aires and a missed Bitcoin opportunity 32:12 – Late-night dinners and Argentine culture 33:45 – France, food challenges and discovering Avignon 37:57 – Getting lost in Italy and overcoming solo travel fears 40:00 – Why Vietnam became one of Katrina’s favourite countries 44:21 – Falling in love with Turkey and embracing the unexpected 46:35 – Grief, difficult days and the emotional roller coaster of travel 47:59 – What is the purpose of travel? 49:03 – Dream destinations, favourite countries and places to live 50:45 – Choosing one view for the rest of your life 52:19 – How many countries has Katrina visited? 53:41 – Adrenaline, fear of heights and ziplining in Costa Rica 56:09 – Advice for anyone dreaming of taking a career break and travelling 57:09 – Final thoughts: Why travel can help you fall in love with life again Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love? 🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience. 🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Episode 81 - Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee Interview on the Winging It Travel Podcast Welcome to Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee! In this episode, we share an interview that Katrina had on Winging It with host by James Hammond to revisit their journey since 2022, discuss the massive success of her best-selling book Taking a Career Break For Dummies, and dive deep into what it really takes to step away from the corporate grind. Whether you are trying to figure out if a break is right for you, figuring out how to manage your finances, or working up the courage to give your notice, Katrina shares personal anecdotes and practical frameworks to help high achievers find clarity. In this episode, we cover how an unexpected email from Wiley & Sons turned into a For Dummies book deal in under a year. We explore why the first three chapters of the book focus on giving yourself permission to prioritize your well-being. Katrina discusses the money mindset shift involving rethinking savings, diverting future-focused funds into present life utility, and paying off debt after a break. You will also hear practical tips on giving your notice with transparency, confidence, and leaving your job on great terms, followed by a look at managing the emotional transition back into routine during re-entry. Dreaming of your own career break or sabbatical? Head over to https://www.gobreakspace.com/join to join the Break Space community for courses, live coaching, and a global support network! Enjoying the podcast? ⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! 💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast. 📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear. ❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change. ▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: The core message of the book as a "permission slip"  01:40 – Welcome back to the show: Catching up with Katrina McGhee on the success of her For Dummies book  06:31 – The behind-the-scenes reality of writing a book with strict publisher templates  11:32 – Part One: Deciding if a career break is right for you and overcoming objections  18:32 – Part Two: Planning your break, budgeting, and shifting your mindset around present-day spending 23:57 – Break Space Community Spotlight  28:15 – Part Three: Sharing the news with your employer and giving your notice with confidence  37:04 – Part Four: Navigating your break, avoiding burnout, and slow travel  42:28 – Part Five: Exiting with grace, managing re-entry, and adjusting to routine  46:09 – Part Six: Decoding the classic For Dummies "Part of Tens"  47:09 – Where to find Taking a Career Break For Dummies Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love? 🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience. 🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Episode 80 - Announcing the BreakSpace Backstage Pass: Inside the Community with Katrina and Lyndall In this special crossover episode, Katrina welcomes special guest and business partner Lyndall Farley to announce the Breakspace Backstage Pass. The hosts introduce the podcast and dive into the inspiration behind creating a curated, two-hour immersive live event designed to open the doors to the Breakspace community. The conversation covers a high-level walkthrough of what attendees can expect, including an exploration of the nine-step career break journey that helps sabbatical-takers understand where they are and what step comes next. Katrina and Lyndall explain how to use the Purpose Matrix and build a powerful purpose statement to serve as an essential compass before and during time away. They also share a preview of joint drop-in coaching, detailing how expert guidance unlocks fast breakthroughs, cuts through surface-level stress, and normalizes the emotional challenges of career breaks. The hosts outline who will benefit most from the event—whether listeners are still exploring the idea, preparing for day one, or feeling lost midway through. Finally, they emphasize why attending live is crucial due to unrecorded confidential breakout rooms and coaching, and wrap up with details on launching from Australia, a first-time special pricing offer, and how to RSVP. Sign up here - https://www.gobreakspace.com/backstage Enjoying the podcast? ⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! 💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast. 📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear. ❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change. ▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to a Special Crossover Episode 00:54 Show Intro and Welcome 01:46 Announcing the Breakspace Backstage Pass 06:05 High-Level Event Overview 09:16 The 9-Step Career Break Journey 12:13 The Purpose Matrix 14:00 Mastering Your Purpose 16:36 Inside Drop-In Coaching 21:13 Who Is the Backstage Pass For? 28:12 Why You Must Attend Live 30:00 Bonus Reveals, Special Pricing, and Closing Thoughts Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love? 🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience. 🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Episode 79 - How to Evaluate a Career Break When You’re Close to FIRE Are you close to achieving your FIRE (Financially Independent, Retire Early) goals, but feeling completely burned out, exhausted, and ready to quit? You are not alone. In this episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina, career break and sabbatical coach Katrina McGhee and producer James Hammond dive into the intersection of the FIRE community mindset and taking a purposeful career break. While saving aggressively and striving for financial freedom is admirable, many high-achievers fall into the trap of delaying their life until a future date that isn't guaranteed—sacrificing their health, youth, and experiences today. Tune in as we unpack how to look beyond a one-dimensional mathematical equation, weigh the 360-degree risks of not taking a break, and ensure your money serves your best life rather than holding you hostage. Key Takeaways: The Peak Earning vs. Peak Living Trap: Why focusing entirely on your accumulation phase can cause you to neglect the only years your body and energy are truly primed for adventure. Defining Freedom Now: How to build a financial cushion that allows you to make choices without money dictating your every move. The 360-Degree Risk Assessment: How to evaluate what is actually at stake if you don't take a break, versus just looking at the financial cost. The Power of Purpose & Themes: Why your brain needs something as concrete as a well-defined break plan to combat the fear of losing money. Enjoying the podcast? ⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! 💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast. 📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear. ❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change. ▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: I’m Close to FIRE. Do I Keep Working or Take a Break?  01:00 – Welcome to Taking a Career Break with Katrina  01:44 – What is the FIRE Movement? Understanding Financial Independence and Freedom  04:21 – The Big Worry: Missing Out on Youth, Health, and Life Experiences  09:30 – The Real Problem: Your Peak Earning Years Are Also Your Peak Living Years  13:47 – Strategy #1: The Importance of Purpose Statements and Themes for Your Break 15:45 – Strategy #2: Doing a 360-Degree Risk Assessment (What Happens If You Don't Take a Break?)  18:23 – Bonus Insight: The Value of Location-Independent, Laptop-Based Skills  20:37 – The Ultimate Analogy: "You’re Too Busy Driving to Stop for Gas Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love? 🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience. 🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Episode 78 - Hitting the Career Break Wall? Don't Fall For This Midpoint Trap Feeling the urge to pack it in and go back to work right in the middle of your career break? You aren't alone. In this episode, Katrina McGhee and James Hammond dive deep into the hidden "trapdoor" that trips up high achievers around the midpoint of their break. Once the initial bucket list items and big adventures are checked off, a wave of discomfort, existential questioning, and the familiar urge for productivity can hit hard. Katrina breaks down why your brain panics when faced with spaciousness, the massive costs of returning to work too early, and a simple 3-step framework to help you push through the discomfort and completely transform your life. In this packed conversation, we explore why default living and decades of hustle culture trick your nervous system into believing that being busy equals being a good person. You will learn how to spot the early warning signs of the midpoint slump, why your brain desperately seeks the familiar comfort of a job, and how a former client successfully handled a sudden job offer without breaking the commitment she made to herself. To overcome this tricky phase, Katrina outlines her actionable, no-nonsense solution built around defining your core purpose and themes, establishing temporary targets, and creating a grounded morning routine. By leaning into structure and intention instead of defaulting back to autopilot, you give yourself the vital mental space needed to reshape your relationship with work and rest. Whether you are currently on a career break, planning a sabbatical, or dreaming of stepping away from burnout, this episode gives you the exact blueprint you need to master your time without regret. Enjoying the podcast? ⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! 💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast. 📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear. ❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change. ▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the show: What happens after the bucket list? 02:00 – The Career Break Trapdoor: Why the midpoint is the danger zone 04:15 – Should you pace your bucket list items or dive right in? 08:50 – The painful spaciousness: Why your brain craves the comfort of a job 12:20 – The uncomfortable questions you're trying to avoid 16:00 – The true cost of returning to work too early 19:00 – The alternative: Rethinking work, retirement, and default living 21:40 – The 3-Step Framework to save your break: Purpose & Themes, Targets, and Morning Routines 28:10 – Real-life coaching story: How a former client handled a sudden job offer Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love? 🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience. 🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Episode 77 - Does a Career Break Mean You're Not Ambitious Anymore? Are you worried that stepping away from the daily grind means losing your edge? In this episode of Taking a Career Break, hosts Katrina McGhee (career break and sabbatical coach) and James Hammond tackle a heavy stigma: the idea that taking a career break or sabbatical means you are no longer ambitious. Inspired by recent client discussions and a viral Substack reflection titled "I lost my ambition in Europe," Katrina and James unpack the traditional, work-centric definition of ambition and why it often leads to burnout. They explore the difference between ambition and motivation, discuss the societal pressure to tie your self-worth to a corporate ladder, and offer a powerful reframe. Tune in to discover why taking a career break isn't a sign of laziness—it's the ultimate act of being ambitious about your life, your well-being, and living a truly rich existence. Enjoying the podcast? ⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! 💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast. 📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear. ❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change. ▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: How a Substack newsletter sparked this episode's debate on losing ambition. 01:42 – Welcome to the Show: Setting the stage for high achievers feeling burned out and ready for a change. 03:44 – Is Not Being Ambitious a Bold Statement? Exploring different definitions of ambition. 05:08 – The "Lost My Ambition in Europe" Insight: Unpacking why high-achievers feel a shift during sabbaticals. 08:11 – Ambition vs. Motivation: What does Miriam Webster say about the true meaning of ambition? 10:17 – BreakSpace Announcement: Your launchpad for a life-changing career break. 12:06 – Why We Default to Work-Centric Ambition: The primitive drive for safety, status, and financial reward. 14:58 – Is Being Unambitious Bad? Challenging the societal stigma of being "lazy" or "not driven." 18:42 – The Ultimate Reframe: Becoming ambitious about life and living well, rather than just a career. 21:11 – Why Taking a Career Break is Actually Hugely Ambitious. 22:02 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up. Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love? 🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience. 🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Episode 76 - What 10 Life-Changing Sabbaticals Proved Wrong About Career Breaks In this episode, Katrina and James catch up after the summer break to reflect on the inspiring stories shared throughout the Summer Series. They dive deep into the 10 core beliefs and fears that almost stopped 10 high achievers from taking a sabbatical—and how their real-life experiences proved every single one of those beliefs wrong. From navigating the fear that "everything will collapse without me" to unlearning the idea that rest has to be earned, this episode recaps the biggest mindset shifts that make a career break truly life-changing. Plus, Katrina and James announce exciting new ways for listeners to get involved, including upcoming listener Q&A episodes and live on-air coaching opportunities! Key Takeaways & Resources Have a question for Katrina and James? Drop a comment on Spotify to be featured in an upcoming episode! Want 15–20 minutes of free live coaching with Katrina on air? Reach out to us via Spotify by leaving a comment or by visiting Katrina's website Ready to plan your break instead of just dreaming about it? Book a free consult with Katrina: https://kmcgheecoaching.com/book-a-consultation🎙️  Enjoying the podcast? ⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! 💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast. 📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear. ❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change. ▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome back & post-summer catch-up 00:40 Podcast intro & framework recap 01:35 Behind the scenes: Katrina’s stressful summer story 03:25 James shares his summer health scare 04:46 Reflecting on the success of the Summer Series 07:16 How to submit your listener questions for a future episode 08:57 Big announcement: Want to get coached live on the show? 11:26 10 Beliefs That a Break Proved Wrong (Overview) 12:54 Beliefs 1 & 2: "There's never a good time" & "It will all fall apart without me" (Britney & Jessica) 15:00 Beliefs 3 & 4: "Taking a break is selfish" & "It's a childish dream" (John & Juliana) 17:45 GoBreakSpace.com mid-roll 18:21 Deep dive: Why society views playing and rest as "childish" 21:15 Beliefs 5, 6, & 7: "Job is who I am," "I can't afford it," & "You don't quit a good job in your 50s" (Ellie, Karen, & Henriette) 25:04 Beliefs 8, 9, & 10: Unlearning that rest must be earned & fear of returning to the same life (Keisha, Heidi, & Nicole) 28:37 Key Takeaway: You can't think your way through a break 31:02 Final thoughts & wrap-up Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love? 🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience. 🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Summer Series #10 – From Survival Mode to World Travel: Nicole Starling’s Family Career Break In the final installment of the Summer Series, host Katrina McGhee sits down with Nicole Starling to explore the transformative power of taking an extended family sabbatical. After facing consecutive family losses, caregiver responsibilities, and corporate burnout, Nicole and her husband decided to pause, pivot, and take their two children on a world-schooling adventure. Nicole shares the raw reality of planning a global trip, overcoming deep-seated career and financial fears, and managing decision fatigue on the road. She also breaks down how stepping away allowed her family to reconnect, how her kids gained life-changing perspectives, and how she successfully re-entered the workforce—landing a promotion and a raise with her former employer. Episode Takeaways Breaks don't have to be "earned" Rest and space are essential parts of the human lifecycle, not something you only get after burning out. Realized fears aren't total failures Returning to your home state or former company doesn't mean you didn't grow; internal transformation changes how you experience your reality. Kids thrive in the ordinary The most meaningful memories from family travel often come from everyday interactions, local parks, and simple community connections—not expensive tourist attractions. Sabbaticals can enhance market value Stepping away gives you the clarity to recognize your professional worth and negotiate stronger compensation upon re-entry. Connect with Nicole on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unboundwithnicole/ 🎙️ Enjoying the podcast? ⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! 💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast. 📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear. ❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change. ▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Life in survival mode, compounding grief, and feeling non-sustainable 05:40 – Coming up for air and confronting the loss of identity in a high-achieving career 10:59 – Facing core fears 14:20 – The turning point 17:08 – The logistics of preparing: Spreadsheets, school alignment, and 3 months' work notice 20:30 – Defining the break's core purpose: Reconnecting, living with less, and cultural immersion 22:28 – Diving in: The reality of early-stage culture shock and transitioning into homeschooling 29:10 – Pivoting on the road: Celebrating major holidays across Mexico, Southeast Asia, and Europe 34:28 – Overcoming decision fatigue and learning that there are no "wrong" choices 38:20 – How vulnerability shifted family dynamics and brought the kids up as equals 45:45 – Re-entry success 51:00 – Looking back at pre-work reflections and realized vs. unrealized fears 1:05:25 – Advice from Nicole’s kids on the magic of ordinary moments Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love? 🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience. 🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Summer Series #9 – Jessica Walked Away From a 60-Hour Week and Discovered a Whole New Life What happens when you're really good at your job, you're making a difference in the world, and yet you know deep down that the life you're living isn't good for you anymore? In this episode of the Summer Series, I talk to Jessica O'Neill about one of the most incredible career-break transformations I've encountered. Jessica had spent years building and leading a community food-access organisation in Western Massachusetts. As executive director, she was working 60–80 hrs a week, managing staff, writing grants, working with the board and carrying the weight of an organisation that meant an enormous amount to her. She was successful, but exhausted.  The hardest part wasn't knowing she needed a change. It was letting go. Jessica feared that everything she'd built would fall apart if she stepped away. Through her work with me, she began to challenge those fears, create a concrete plan for her career break and ultimately give herself permission to choose herself. What happened next was far beyond what she could have predicted. During her break, Jessica travelled to England to study equine healing and communication, spent time with her twin sister in Italy, rediscovered writing and gardening, and most importantly, learned how to slow down, breathe and reclaim her own time.  That experience eventually became the foundation for an entirely new career working with horses, combining equine energy work, communication, nutrition, plants and sound therapy into what Jessica and her twin sister developed as the TwinErgy Method. Follow Jessica - https://www.orchardbrookfarm.com/ 🎙️ Enjoying the podcast? ⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! 💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast. 📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear. ❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change. ▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps 00:00 – Jessica's incredible career-break transformation 03:37 – Working 60–80 hours a week as an executive director 05:46 – Knowing something had to change 07:18 – The fear of walking away from everything she'd built 09:35 – Leaving the organisation and finally taking the break 16:45 – Saying no to six figures and choosing the unknown 17:27 – The big goals Jessica achieved during her break 21:01 – Recovering from burnout and learning to relax 22:30 – Studying equine healing in England 26:54 – Creating a holistic approach to healing horses 29:24 – The TwinErgy Method 33:00 – What Jessica's work with horses actually looks like 38:56 – Learning to value your work and charge for it 41:18 – The highs and challenges of taking a career break 45:54 – The biggest impact of coaching 50:17 – What Jessica would tell someone considering a career break 51:37 – Saying yes to yourself and opening new doors 53:56 – Where to find Jessica and her work Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love? 🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience. 🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Summer Series #8 - Elly Quit Her 20-Year Career and Discovered a Completely Different Life What happens when the career you spent 20 years building no longer feels like you? In this powerful episode of the Summer Series, Katrina sits down with Elly, a former Assistant Dean for International Programs at the University of Illinois, elected county board member, and lifelong high achiever who reached a breaking point. After years of managing teams, navigating bureaucracy, and pushing through burnout, she made a bold decision: quit her job without knowing what came next. Elly shares the emotional reality of leaving a respected career, the loss of professional identity, and the fear of what other people would think. She opens up about the struggle of learning how to rest, reclaiming mental space, and discovering that spaciousness can be just as uncomfortable as burnout. What began as a career break turned into something far more transformative. During the break, Elly deepened family relationships, became more engaged in local government, returned to writing, and ultimately made a life-changing decision she never expected: becoming a mother again at 44. This conversation is an honest look at uncertainty, reinvention, and the courage to choose a life that is aligned with who you are today, not who you were 20 years ago. If you’ve ever felt trapped in a successful career, questioned your identity outside of work, or wondered what might be possible if you finally gave yourself space to breathe, this episode will resonate deeply. Connect with Elly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellyhanauer/ 🎙️ Enjoying the podcast? ⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! 💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast. 📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear. ❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change. ▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps 00:00 Burnout behind a successful 20-year career 02:45 Meet Elly: assistant dean, elected official, and overwhelmed high achiever 07:12 When travel stopped being exciting and became a burden 12:08 Choosing wellbeing over certainty and leaving without a plan 14:39 The first weeks of freedom and the discomfort of too much space 17:31 Learning to be instead of constantly doing 20:02 Why it took months to truly decompress from work 24:10 Searching for a new path through writing and public service 27:21 The unexpected conversation that changed everything 31:22 Becoming a stay-at-home mom and redefining success 35:42 What Elly learned about risk, identity, and societal expectations 40:11 The biggest impact of coaching during her career break 45:27 The power of hearing other people’s stories 48:02 Full circle: from podcast listener to podcast guest Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love? 🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience. 🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Summer Series #7 - From Burned-Out School Counselor to Medical Interpreter in Guatemala | Heidi Leal's Career Break Story What happens when you walk away from a stable career without another job lined up? In this episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, Heidi Leal shares her remarkable journey from high school counselor to freelance medical interpreter in Guatemala. After more than 20 years in public education, Heidi knew she could no longer continue in a role that left her feeling exhausted and disconnected. She resigned without a clear next step, spent time in Guatemala, and began exploring what a different kind of life could look like. What followed was not a perfectly planned career pivot, but a series of experiments. Heidi tried selling handmade artisan products, creating travel itineraries, hosting Airbnb guests, and volunteering as an interpreter at a nonprofit hospital. Through those experiences, she discovered a skill that truly lit her up and eventually turned it into a flexible freelance business that gives her the freedom and autonomy she had been craving. Katrina and Heidi talk about the fear of leaving a secure salary and pension, the guilt many high achievers feel when taking time off, the importance of structure during a career break, and the surprising opportunities that appear when you create space to explore. Heidi also shares the mindset shifts that stayed with her long after coaching ended, including celebrating small wins, letting work be enjoyable, and learning that rest does not have to be earned. If you are considering a career break, feeling burned out in a long-term profession, or wondering how to pivot into something completely different, this conversation is full of practical insight and real-life encouragement. Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidileal/ 🎙️ Enjoying the podcast? ⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! 💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast. 📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear. ❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change. ▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps 00:00 Leaving a 20-year career in public education 05:08 Resigning without another job lined up 09:03 Discovering the idea of a career break through LinkedIn 11:07 Why Heidi sought coaching and structure during her break 15:36 Experimenting with a handmade artisan export business 20:59 Airbnb hosting and discovering a love for creating experiences 29:05 Volunteering as a medical interpreter in Guatemala 33:30 Realizing interpreting could become a paid profession 40:02 Building a freelance interpreting business for freedom and flexibility 45:10 The biggest personal lessons from the career break Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love? 🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience. 🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Summer Series #6 - Kisha Left Without a Plan: The Career Break That Opened Unexpected Doors Kisha Ward loved her corporate career—until burnout caught up with her. After years of leading major projects, ERP implementations, mergers, and international supply chain work, she made the courageous decision to negotiate an exit without having another job lined up. In this episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, Kisha shares the fears that came with stepping away from a successful career, including losing her identity, disappointing others, and facing the uncertainty of what would come next. What started as a much-needed break became a complete reimagining of work and life. Kisha talks about learning to rest, letting go of constant productivity, rebuilding her relationship with money, and reconnecting with family, friends, health, and creativity. She also opens up about her writing journey—from struggling to start, to developing a consistent writing practice, to pursuing publication in the fast-growing romantasy genre. Along the way, an unexpected consulting opportunity found her, eventually allowing her to create a flexible lifestyle that combines high-level consulting with extended breaks dedicated to writing. This conversation is a powerful reminder that a career break is not always a step backwards. Sometimes it is the pause that creates space for a more aligned, creative, and fulfilling future. Follow Kisha's journey https://www.instagram.com/my_umisays https://www.instagram.com/daradenningbooks 🎙️ Enjoying the podcast? ⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! 💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast. 📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear. ❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change. ▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps 00:00 Burnout ended a job Kisha once loved 03:55 Leaving a successful corporate career without a plan 07:03 Fear, identity, and starting a career break 11:18 The goals for the break: writing, health, rest, and relationships 13:24 Learning to stop being productive all the time 18:20 Changing her relationship with money 21:40 Finding a writing flow and rediscovering creativity 23:42 The consulting opportunity that unexpectedly found her 26:43 Tripling her income after taking a break 30:22 Pursuing writing seriously and entering the romantasy market 36:56 Building confidence in uncertainty and creating a new way of working 43:24 What her life and writing routine look like today 48:34 The precap letter and seeing her future become reality 51:48 Returning to the dream she had as a child Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love? 🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience. 🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Summer Series #5 - Henriette Left a Successful Corporate Career at 55 — And It Changed Everything Henriette was a successful engineering manager leading multiple corporate teams, but behind the achievements, she was exhausted, disconnected from herself, and asking a question many high achievers quietly carry: “Is this all there is to life?” In this inspiring Summer Series conversation, Henriette shares how she went from burnout and late-night tears to taking a fully intentional career break at the age of 55. Guided by a powerful vision she called Vision 60, she began redesigning her health, relationships, adventures, and future instead of simply escaping a demanding job. Katrina and Henriette explore the moment she realised work was crowding out the life she truly wanted, how she created a purpose-driven career break, and why she was surprised to discover she had more financial freedom than she thought. They also discuss the fears that almost stopped her, including the belief that you do not walk away from a well-paid corporate role and the uncertainty of re-entering the workforce later in life. During her break, Henriette filled her days with long walks, slow running, forest adventures, national park visits, family travel, and meaningful time with her husband, sons, grandchildren, and even her 80-year-old father. She also shares the unexpected joy of making new friendships and learning how to bring celebration and fun into ordinary life. The conversation takes a powerful turn when Henriette explains how she applied for a dream management role from a lake house while visiting family in the United States, despite not planning to return to work for several more months. What happened next challenged every fear she had about career breaks and re-entry after 50. This episode is a moving reminder that taking a career break is not about giving up ambition. It can be about coming back with more energy, better boundaries, clearer priorities, and a deeper sense of being fully alive. Email Henriette today with any questions you have: [email protected] 🎙️ Enjoying the podcast? ⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! 💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast. 📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear. ❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change. ▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps 00:00 – Burnout behind a successful career 03:48 – “Is this all there is?” 06:02 – Creating Vision 60 09:09 – The breaking point 13:40 – Choosing the career break 16:40 – Financial clarity 19:13 – Nature, health, and new habits 21:57 – The final decision 27:24 – The break begins 31:00 – Family travel and unexpected opportunities 33:00 – Running and reconnecting with herself 35:59 – New friendships 37:24 – Bringing joy into everyday life 42:38 – Fear of re-entry 45:08 – Applying for a dream job 48:46 – Getting the job 51:23 – Returning to work differently 57:20 – What changed everything Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love? 🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience. 🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Summer Series #4 - Karin Quit Her Job to Save Her Health—What Happened Next Will Inspire You What happens when your body forces you to stop? In this inspiring episode of the Taking A Career Break Summer Series, Katrina McGhee sits down with Karin Holmberg to share the remarkable story of how a planned career break became a life-changing healing journey. After years of unexplained health issues, long working hours and mounting burnout, Karin reached a point where she could no longer ignore what her body was telling her. What started as a dream of taking a sabbatical soon became a necessity when she was diagnosed with Lyme disease, multiple co-infections and mould toxicity. Karin shares how early planning allowed her to take a two-year career break, why moving back in with her parents became the key to making it financially possible, and how trusting her intuition helped her navigate one unexpected twist after another. During her break, she immersed herself in learning about functional health, earned multiple certifications, launched her own practice and ultimately found a new definition of success—one that prioritises health, purpose and alignment over hustle. If you're wondering whether a career break could change your life, Karin's story is proof that one courageous decision can completely transform your future. Follow Karin's journey here - https://www.instagram.com/karinholmberg_fdn Want to start your journey? Book a free consult with Katrina here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎙️ Enjoying the podcast? ⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! 💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast. 📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear. ❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change. ▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps 00:00 Karin's seven-year battle with mystery health issues 02:05 Meet Karin and why her story matters 03:25 The moment she realised something had to change 06:00 Discovering the possibility of a career break 07:40 The financial fears of taking two years off 09:30 Planning early and finding creative ways to save 14:30 Creating a purpose for the career break 17:00 When her health suddenly collapsed 19:00 Choosing to leave work and begin healing 22:00 Learning everything about Lyme disease and recovery 26:30 Becoming a functional health practitioner 29:30 Returning to work after a two-year career break 32:00 Starting a health coaching business 38:00 Why she chose financial stability over full-time entrepreneurship 43:00 Finding the right job after four years away 45:00 Lessons about trusting your inner wisdom 51:00 Looking back at the transformation 53:30 Advice for anyone considering a career break Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love? 🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience. 🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com