Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee

Episode 69 - How to Explain Your Career Break (Even When You Don’t Have All the Answers)What do you say when someone asks, “So… what’s next?” during your career break — and you genuinely don’t know?In this episode of the Taking a Career Break Podcast, Katrina and James unpack one of the biggest fears people face when stepping away from work: explaining your break when you don’t have all the answers yet.From uncertainty around timelines, retirement, FIRE goals, and burnout recovery, to the pressure of sounding “confident” in front of family, friends, and colleagues — this episode is all about embracing the unknown and owning your decision without shame.Katrina shares practical examples of how to respond when people question your career break, while James reflects on his own journey with travel, freedom, and stepping away from traditional career expectations.If you’ve ever worried about what people think of your sabbatical, career pause, or life reset, this episode will help you reframe uncertainty as freedom instead of failure.RSVP for the 'Take a Break Without Falling Behind' Workshop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://app.heartbeat.chat/breakspace/events/552F4A⁠⁠Timestamps00:00 Life is uncertain — why pretending otherwise is exhausting01:39 Why people struggle to explain a career break03:11 You don’t need to fake clarity about your future05:53 James on travel, uncertainty & leaving comfort zones08:08 FIRE movement & using a career break as a retirement test run10:18 Why you don’t need answers a few months into your break11:58 Practical ways to explain an indefinite career break13:36 Retiring from the “system” instead of retiring from work17:01 How to answer questions about career break timelines20:49 Extending your career break without guilt22:24 Responding to fears about the job market24:24 Removing negativity & embracing uncertainty25:07 Why uncertainty can still lead to the right decisionReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?📞Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🫶🏼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 68 - The Hidden Cost of Staying in a Job Too LongWhat happens when staying in your job becomes more dangerous than leaving it?In this powerful episode of Taking a Career Break, Katrina and James dive into the hidden cost of overstaying in a career that no longer serves you. From burnout and anxiety to damaged relationships and lost creativity, this conversation explores why so many high achievers stay stuck in survival mode — and what it’s really costing them.Katrina shares real coaching insights from working with over 200 career break clients, including the emotional, mental, and physical toll of ignoring the signs that you desperately need a reset. Together, James and Katrina unpack the fear of “falling behind,” why modern work culture keeps us trapped, and how taking a career break can completely transform your life, relationships, and future.If you’ve ever felt mentally checked out, emotionally exhausted, or stuck on autopilot, this episode will challenge the way you think about work, success, and happiness.You’ll also hear:Why burnout is more serious than most people realizeThe impact overworking has on your health and relationshipsHow survival mode kills creativity and future opportunitiesWhy waiting for the “perfect time” rarely worksKatrina’s powerful “4 million breaths” perspective on life and career breaksThis episode may just be the wake-up call you needed.RSVP for the 'Take a Break Without Falling Behind' Workshop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://app.heartbeat.chat/breakspace/events/552F4A⁠Timestamps00:00 – Fear of falling behind and why this conversation matters01:03 – Welcome to Taking a Career Break01:55 – The hidden cost of staying in your job too long03:10 – Podcast intros, attention spans, and keeping listeners engaged04:44 – Burnout, exhaustion, and mentally checking out of work05:50 – Why people are scared to take career breaks right now07:08 – Katrina’s “tornado vs fire” analogy explained10:57 – Real client stories and health scares linked to burnout13:16 – Running on fumes: the danger of pushing through exhaustion14:57 – WHO statistics on overworking and health risks15:52 – Why taking a break after 25 years of work makes sense17:34 – The outdated idea of working nonstop until retirement18:28 – How burnout damages relationships and family life20:43 – Why things won’t magically get better if you stay21:11 – Survival mode and losing your imagination for a better life23:09 – The importance of space, rest, and mental recovery24:06 – Why your happiness must be part of the equation25:20 – Katrina’s “4 million breaths” mic-drop moment26:13 – Why life is too short to stay stuck27:20 – Workshop invitation: how to take a break without falling behind29:59 – How many summers do we really have left?31:10 – Final thoughts and episode wrap-upReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?📞Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🫶🏼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 67 - Why You Should Stop Waiting for the “Right Time” to Take a Career Break (Fear of Falling Behind Explained)Is there ever a right time to take a career break—or are you just waiting forever?In this episode, James Hammond and career break coach Katrina McGhee dive deep into one of the biggest mindset traps holding people back: the belief that you need perfect timing to step away from your career.From economic uncertainty and job market fears to internal pressure and workplace guilt, they unpack why it always feels like the wrong time—and why that thinking is keeping you stuck.Katrina introduces the concept of PHOBO (Fear of Becoming Obsolete) and explains how this fear shows up both before and during a career break—often preventing people from fully committing to the change they need.You’ll learn why the “perfect moment” doesn’t exist, how your brain is wired to keep you in survival mode, and what it actually takes to create a good enough time to step away and reset your life.If you’ve been telling yourself “maybe next year” or “once things settle down,” this episode will challenge that narrative—and help you take your first real step toward a career break.RSVP for the 'Take a Break Without Falling Behind' Workshop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://app.heartbeat.chat/breakspace/events/552F4A⁠⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Why people keep delaying career breaks01:34 – Episode intro: “Why now is never the right time”03:30 – The real reason people don’t take breaks05:08 – PHOBO: Fear of Becoming Obsolete explained06:09 – Economic fear & the illusion of “bad timing”08:15 – Why the perfect time doesn’t exist10:23 – James’ personal struggle with timing & risk12:23 – The “worst time fallacy” mindset trap14:09 – Workplace guilt & fear of letting others down15:39 – Why the goalpost always keeps moving17:07 – The brain’s survival instinct vs thriving19:30 – Has life ever actually felt certain?21:26 – Planning vs procrastination: where’s the line?22:35 – Why you can’t predict the “right moment”23:05 – A powerful mindset shift for taking action24:56 – How fear keeps you stuck in survival mode25:43 – The reality of risk & taking the leap27:16 – When waiting becomes avoidance28:03 – Workshop + next stepsReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?📞Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🫶🏼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 66 - Debunking Career Break Fears: What’s Really Holding You Back?Thinking about taking a career break—but your mind is spinning with what ifs?In this powerful episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, we’re debunking the most common fears around career breaks, sabbaticals, and quitting your job to travel or reset your life.From financial anxiety and job market fears to worrying about what other people will think, losing career momentum, or “wasting time,” Katrina coaches through real client concerns and reframes them into something far more empowering—and realistic.If you’ve ever questioned whether taking time off work is a bad idea, worried about ruining your career, or wondered how you’d afford a sabbatical, this episode tackles those thoughts head-on. It’s honest, practical, and designed to help you cut through the noise and make a more informed decision about your future.Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear why the fear of the job market is often exaggerated, how the idea of a “cushy job” can keep you stuck, and what actually happens to your career prospects after taking a break. We also explore how to manage your finances while on a career break, how to deal with judgment from others, and why taking time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s often necessary.There’s also a powerful conversation around purpose and clarity. If you’re putting pressure on yourself to have a life-changing “aha moment,” this episode will help you rethink what a successful break really looks like and why simply stepping away can be transformational in itself.This is part mindset shift, part practical guidance—and fully focused on helping you move from fear to clarity and, ultimately, action.If you’re feeling burned out, stuck in your career, or craving time to travel, reset, or redesign your life, this episode might be exactly what you need to hear.RSVP for the 'Take a Break Without Falling Behind' Workshop: ⁠⁠⁠https://app.heartbeat.chat/breakspace/events/552F4A⁠⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro to the podcast & episode00:51 – Why this episode: real fears from real clients02:54 – Fear #1: “What if my job is just about to get good?”04:53 – Fear #2: Leaving your team behind06:03 – Fear #3: Losing a financially “cushy” job07:16 – Fear #4: The job market is terrible08:40 – Fear #5: “What if I never want to work again?”10:39 – Fear #6: Burning through savings11:35 – Fear #7: Being judged by family or peers13:55 – Fear #8: Wasting your break / no accomplishments16:14 – Fear #9: Pressure to have the “best break ever”17:03 – Fear #10: A resentful partner18:42 – Fear #11: People-pleasing during your break19:49 – Fear #12: Becoming a hermit21:02 – Fear #13: Over-scheduling and burnout (again)21:59 – Fear #14: No “aha” moment or clarity25:10 – Final thoughts: embracing uncertainty & taking the leapReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?📞Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🫶🏼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 65 - Should You Take a Leave of Absence Instead of Quitting? Pros & Cons ExplainedIn this episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, we tackle a question that’s coming up more and more: should you take a leave of absence instead of quitting for a full career break?After seeing multiple clients face this exact situation—being offered a leave of absence after handing in their notice—Katrina and James break down the real differences, pros, cons, and hidden trade-offs between these two paths.You’ll learn why a leave of absence might feel like the “safe” option, but could come with emotional, psychological, and even financial costs that aren’t immediately obvious. From paid vs unpaid leave, benefits, and job security to burnout recovery, identity shifts, and long-term life alignment—this episode covers it all.If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or dreaming of time off, this conversation will help you make a clear, confident decision about your next move.RSVP for the 'Take a Break Without Falling Behind' Workshop: ⁠⁠https://app.heartbeat.chat/breakspace/events/552F4A⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro & episode overview00:51 – What is a leave of absence?02:29 – Why this topic is trending right now03:56 – Paid vs unpaid leave explained04:50 – Leave of absence vs sabbatical vs vacation07:16 – How companies use leave to retain employees08:13 – Real client examples (paid vs unpaid offers)11:50 – Pro #1: Keep your job security12:48 – Pro #2: Reduced anxiety about the future13:47 – Pro #3: No resume gaps14:38 – Pro #4: Potential financial savings15:33 – Pro #5: Start with leave, extend into a break18:50 – Financial reality check (hidden costs & math)19:54 – International perspective on healthcare & leave21:27 – Con #1: Paperwork & approval stress22:56 – Con #2: Staying mentally tied to work23:47 – Personal insight: why safety can hold you back25:03 – Con #3: Work may still contact you25:58 – Con #4: The “ticking clock” effect26:15 – Con #5: Having to quit later anyway27:19 – Con #6: Limits your ability to pivot27:44 – Con #7: Shorter break, less impact28:44 – Real client experiences: changing their mind mid-leave30:22 – Why career breaks offer more freedom31:53 – Personal growth & identity shifts on a break32:34 – Final considerations (healthcare & reapplying)33:28 – Real-life example: quitting led to a higher salary34:56 – Final thoughts: balancing risk vs safetyDon’t start at Episode 1! Find your best place to begin right here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69b0e49d33008191a533dfd037479bfc-career-break-podcast-episode-recommender⁠⁠⁠⁠Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?📞Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠⁠⁠🫶🏼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 64 - Listener Question Episode - How to Pivot to Self-Employment on a Career Break? (And Other Questions)In this listener Q&A episode of Taking A Career Break with Katrina McGhee, Katrina and James dive into a powerful and relatable question: how do you pivot into self-employment while on a career break—without feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or held back by fear?Katrina unpacks the emotional and practical challenges of stepping into entrepreneurship during a break, especially when you're used to structure, certainty, and being “good” at your job. This episode is packed with mindset shifts, coaching insights, and practical frameworks to help you define success, manage expectations, and give your new path a genuine chance.You’ll learn how to navigate uncertainty, stop getting in your own way, and approach self-employment as an experiment—one that can evolve with clarity, confidence, and momentum over time.RSVP for the 'Take a Break Without Falling Behind' Workshop: ⁠https://app.heartbeat.chat/breakspace/events/552F4A⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Podcast intro & overview00:51 – Listener question: self-employment during a career break01:50 – Why this question matters (and why it’s complex)04:07 – Defining your career break phase (rest vs re-entry)05:59 – What does giving it a “fair shot” actually mean?07:25 – How to measure success (time, effort, or outcomes?)08:00 – The reality of pivoting into something new10:44 – Why your expectations might be holding you back12:13 – Measuring progress vs perfection13:10 – Output vs outcome: what you can control14:27 – Handling bad days, weeks, and momentum dips15:11 – “Put it in a container” (time-bound experiments)16:25 – The simple framework: Do → Reflect → Improve18:23 – Coaching questions to unlock clarity20:07 – What’s really behind the overwhelm?21:14 – Reframing your mindset to move forward21:49 – Final reflections & key takeawaysDon’t start at Episode 1! Find your best place to begin right here - ⁠⁠⁠https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69b0e49d33008191a533dfd037479bfc-career-break-podcast-episode-recommender⁠⁠⁠Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?📞Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠⁠🫶🏼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 63 - The First Interview: Katrina McGhee & Lyndall Farley on Career Breaks, Sabbaticals & BreakSpaceIn this milestone episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, we celebrate a first for the show—our very first guest interview.Joined by BreakSpace co-owner Lyndall Farley, Katrina and James dive into the real story behind building BreakSpace, what it takes to step away from work, and how to design a truly life-changing career break.From their journey as “competitors” to co-founders, to the emotional realities of burnout, identity, and re-entry, this episode is packed with honest, behind-the-scenes insights.This conversation also dives into the emotional side of stepping away from work—the fear, the doubt, and the identity shift that comes with leaving a career you’ve worked hard to build. Katrina McGhee and Lyndall Farley share honest reflections on imposter syndrome, making big decisions without certainty, and learning to trust yourself through the process.You’ll also hear real stories and transformations from inside BreakSpace, including people taking multiple career breaks, redesigning their lives, and returning to work with a completely new perspective. It’s a powerful reminder that a break isn’t just time off—it can be the catalyst for long-term change if you approach it with intention.Whether you're considering a sabbatical, already on a break, or figuring out what comes next—this conversation will reshape how you think about work, rest, and life design.RSVP for the 'Take a Break Without Falling Behind' Workshop: https://app.heartbeat.chat/breakspace/events/552F4A🎯 What You’ll LearnThe difference between a career break and a sabbaticalHow to know if you’re ready to take time offWhy each stage (before, during, after) brings different challengesThe mindset needed for a successful, fulfilling breakHow community transforms the experienceWhy more people are taking multiple career breaksThe biggest mistakes to avoid when planning time offWhy AI can’t replace real human support in life transitions⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & first-ever interview on the podcast01:00 – Meet Katrina McGhee & Lyndall Farley03:00 – Career breaks vs sabbaticals: what’s the difference?05:30 – How many breaks they’ve taken (and why it matters)07:00 – The origin story of BreakSpace10:30 – From competitors to collaborators13:30 – Why finding the right partner is so difficult14:30 – The “secret sauce” behind BreakSpace17:30 – The power of community and connection20:30 – Scared + excited: launching BreakSpace22:30 – Trust, risk, and putting everything on the line25:00 – Imposter syndrome and self-doubt27:00 – Going public with BreakSpace (LinkedIn moment)28:30 – Why a career break community is needed31:30 – Early signs people wanted this34:30 – What makes BreakSpace different36:00 – Supporting people before, during, and after a break38:30 – Where people struggle most42:00 – Re-entry: the biggest challenge?45:00 – Real transformations inside BreakSpace48:30 – Taking second (and third) career breaks51:00 – Favourite milestones and standout moments54:30 – Why BreakSpace is hard to replicate59:30 – Career breaks in the age of AI01:02:00 – Why human connection still matters mostDon’t start at Episode 1! Find your best place to begin right here - ⁠⁠https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69b0e49d33008191a533dfd037479bfc-career-break-podcast-episode-recommender⁠⁠Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?📞Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠🫶🏼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 62 - The Simple “Container” Hack to Stay Consistent on Your Career Break (Stop Procrastinating Today)In this episode, James sits down with career break expert Katrina McGhee to unpack a powerful yet simple strategy that can completely transform how you approach change, challenges, and personal growth.If you’ve ever struggled with staying consistent, committing to new habits, or navigating uncertainty during a career break or life transition—this episode is for you.Katrina introduces the concept of “putting it in a container”—a time-bound, intentional framework that helps you overcome resistance, build momentum, and actually follow through on the changes you want to make.Whether you're trying to practice presence, improve your health, build new routines, or even start a business, this method turns overwhelming goals into manageable experiments.You’ll hear real-life examples of how this framework has helped clients:– Build healthier habits in just 30 days– Create meaningful social connections in a new place– Reduce anxiety and embrace stillness– Navigate burnout and career uncertaintyThis episode is packed with actionable advice for high achievers, digital nomads, and anyone considering a sabbatical or career break.If you’re ready to stop overthinking and start taking intentional action—this is your roadmap.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introduction00:51 – Why committing to change feels so hard01:26 – Balancing life, work, and global uncertainty03:07 – Finding purpose and meaning in your work04:02 – The “Container” concept explained05:20 – Why your brain resists change (and how to overcome it)07:40 – Turning goals into experiments (removing fear of failure)08:49 – Why time-bound goals increase motivation and focus10:24 – Giving yourself permission to rest and reset11:19 – Using future anchoring to reduce anxiety12:50 – Applying the method to real life13:30 – Generational challenges: focus vs burnout15:16 – Why meaning matters more than discipline16:16 – Real example: 30-day health transformation sprint17:10 – Building habits and layering new goals17:50 – Connection sprint: building friendships intentionally18:30 – Practising presence without distraction19:02 – “Cocooning” explained: guilt-free rest and recovery20:29 – Breaking down big goals (like starting a business)21:23 – Monthly focus themes that actually work22:24 – Final thoughts: how to implement this todayDon’t start at Episode 1! Find your best place to begin right here - ⁠https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69b0e49d33008191a533dfd037479bfc-career-break-podcast-episode-recommender⁠Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?📞Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠🫶🏼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 61 - Podcast & Business Update: Career Break Trends, YouTube Launch & What’s Coming NextIn this behind-the-scenes episode of Taking a Career Break, hosts James Hammond and Katrina McGhee share exciting updates, real-time insights, and emerging trends in the world of career breaks and sabbaticals.From record-breaking revenue months and powerful client transformations to the launch of new projects like YouTube and upcoming workshops, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really looks like to build a career break movement.Katrina also reveals key trends she’s seeing among high achievers in 2026—including why more people are planning career breaks earlier, the rise of life coaching alongside sabbaticals, and the surprising increase in men taking intentional breaks.Plus, hear what’s next for BreakSpace, the podcast, and a brand-new summer series featuring real-life career break stories.If you’re feeling burned out, stuck, or dreaming about taking a break—but don’t know where to start—this episode is packed with insights, motivation, and practical direction.🔑 What You’ll LearnIn this episode, you’ll discover why more professionals are choosing to plan their career breaks earlier than ever and what’s driving that shift in mindset. You’ll gain insight into how high achievers are rethinking success, slowing down, and turning to life coaching for clarity—even if they’re not fully committed to taking a break yet. Katrina shares real trends from her coaching experience, including the growing number of men stepping into the career break space and how the podcast itself is influencing people to take action. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of BreakSpace, what’s coming next for the community and the podcast, and how these changes can support you if you’re feeling burned out, stuck, or ready to design a more intentional life.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to the episode00:51 – Episode overview: updates & what’s ahead01:27 – Katrina’s business update: website revamp & brand clarity03:34 – Revenue wins & powerful client success stories04:57 – BreakSpace community growth & real-life meetups05:25 – Career break trends in 2026 (key insights)05:45 – Trend #1: Planning career breaks earlier06:20 – Trend #2: Rise in life coaching demand07:20 – Trend #3: More men taking career breaks07:45 – Trend #4: Podcast impact on coaching & community08:41 – BreakSpace updates: growth, new features & workshop09:39 – Upcoming episode with Lindell10:06 – Podcast expansion: YouTube launch11:59 – Future content strategy & platform growth12:27 – Announcement: Summer series with real client stories13:32 – Why listener engagement matters (reviews, shares, etc.)15:45 – Winging It Productions update & new projects16:20 – YouTube vlog challenges & creative direction17:19 – Final reflections & what’s nextDon’t start at Episode 1! Find your best place to begin right here - https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69b0e49d33008191a533dfd037479bfc-career-break-podcast-episode-recommenderReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?📞Schedule a call with Katrina - https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult🫶🏼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 60 - The Hardest Step of a Career Break: How to Finally Decide to Take OneDeciding to take a career break might be the hardest step of the entire journey.In this episode of Taking a Career Break, career break coach Katrina McGhee and co-host James Hammond dive into the moment that stops so many professionals in their tracks: how to actually decide whether to take a career break or sabbatical.For ambitious professionals and high achievers, stepping away from a career can feel risky. You may be dealing with burnout, questioning your purpose, or wondering if there’s more to life than the constant pressure of work — but the fear of losing momentum, income, or identity can keep you stuck in the same routine.So how do you know if it’s truly time to pause?Katrina shares the decision-making framework she has used with more than 200 coaching clients around the worldto help professionals evaluate whether a career break is right for them. This practical approach helps people move from uncertainty and overthinking to clarity and confidence about their next chapter.Together, Katrina and James unpack the mental barriers, fears, and expectations that often stop people from taking a break — from financial worries and career anxiety to the pressure of what others might think.If you've ever asked yourself:Should I take a career break?How do I know when burnout means it's time for a sabbatical?What is the best way to decide if stepping away from work is the right move?This episode will help you explore those questions and start thinking differently about your career, your wellbeing, and your future.You’ll also hear how taking a career break can become an opportunity to reset your priorities, rediscover your purpose, travel, rest, learn new skills, or redesign the life you truly want.Whether you're dreaming about a sabbatical, career pause, life reset, or extended travel break, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shifts needed to start making one of the most important decisions of your life.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Taking a Career Break00:52 – Introducing the big question: should you take a career break?01:18 – Why making the decision is the most pivotal milestone02:03 – The emotional weight behind stepping away from work03:20 – Why high achievers struggle with this decision04:38 – Recognizing burnout and dissatisfaction signals05:16 – The fears that keep people stuck in their careers08:30 – Katrina’s decision-making framework explained14:10 – How identifying your purpose can clarify your break20:45 – What changes when you finally commit to the decision27:30 – Final reflections on choosing a life-changing breakListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 59 - Having The Audacity to Take a Career Break: Why High Achievers Feel Guilty Resting (And Why You Shouldn’t)Why does taking a career break feel so… audacious?In this powerful (and fiery) episode, Katrina and James unpack the hidden guilt high achievers feel when they consider stepping away from work — even temporarily.From societal pressure to “earn” rest… to the subtle shame around quitting a “good” job… to the fear that a sabbatical will ruin your career — this episode tackles the emotional resistance behind taking time off work.If you’ve ever thought:“It must be nice to quit your job.”“I should just be grateful.”“What if people think I’m lazy?”“Will a career break destroy my professional reputation?”This one’s for you.Katrina shares a personal story that sparked this conversation — and how it mirrors what so many professionals experience when they dare to prioritize their mental health, wellbeing, and long-term fulfillment.You’ll also hear the powerful concept of an “Audacity Audit” — a practical exercise to help you reframe guilt and reclaim your right to rest.Because here’s the truth:You don’t need burnout, a layoff, or a crisis to justify taking a break.You don’t need permission to want more.And one year out of a 40-year career will not ruin your life.But not listening to yourself just might.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why high performers feel guilty taking a career breakThe societal conditioning that makes rest feel “lazy”How burnout recovery requires courage — not permissionWhy wanting more from your career isn’t greedyThe math behind taking a sabbatical (and why it’s smaller than you think)How to conduct your own Audacity Audit before making a big decisionWhy most people move on faster than you think when you quitTimestamps00:00 – Welcome to the show + why this is a “rant” episode01:00 – What does “the audacity” really mean when it comes to taking a career break?02:00 – The triggering moment that sparked this conversation04:30 – Why being labeled “pay to play” hit so hard06:30 – The hidden belief: “How dare you charge for helping people?”08:45 – The parallel: Why high achievers feel guilty taking a sabbatical10:30 – Society’s message: Rest is lazy, work is noble12:00 – The truth about value, sacrifice, and worth14:00 – Why you don’t need suffering to justify time off15:30 – Introducing the “Audacity Audit” exercise16:00 – What you’ve invested in your career (time, money, energy)17:00 – The math: One year out of a 40-year career18:40 – 90,000 working hours vs. a 6-month break19:15 – Why people’s opinions fade faster than you think20:00 – Final message: Have the audacity to claim what you wantListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 58 - How to Start Your Career Break the Right Way (What to Do in Your First Week)What should you actually do in the first week of a career break?In this episode, career break and sabbatical coach Katrina McGhee and co-host James Hammond break down how to start your break the right way — without pressure, guilt, or rushing into the next thing.Drawing on real examples from the BreakSpace community and Katrina’s own deeply personal experience, this conversation explores why the first week of a career break is about decompression, permission, and reclaiming your time — not productivity.You’ll hear practical, realistic ideas for how to celebrate the start of your break (from naps and puzzles to solo road trips and freedom days), along with five powerful guidelines to help you decide what your first week should look like.Furthermore, this doesn't have to be limited to the first week; this could be the first two weeks, three weeks or even a month into your career break. This all depends on yourself and what you feel comfortable with, and this episode is there to get you started!This episode is especially for you if:You’re burned out and about to start a career break or sabbaticalYou’ve just quit your job and feel unsure how to slow downYour break didn’t start in “perfect” circumstancesYou want permission to rest without feeling lazy or behindWhether your break begins with excitement, grief, relief, or all three — this episode reminds you that there is no wrong way to begin.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Taking a Career Break00:51 – Why the first week of a break really matters02:20 – The physical and emotional adjustment after quitting work03:39 – Why you need a buffer before travel or big changes05:28 – Real examples of how people celebrate starting a break06:00 – Puzzles, cake, and permission to be “silly”06:47 – Naps: how much rest is normal (and why guilt is unnecessary)09:26 – Doing absolutely nothing (and why that’s okay)10:36 – Reclaiming your space after leaving work11:25 – Celebrating with friends, drinks, and meaningful rituals12:17 – Solo trips and the power of being alone14:08 – What BreakSpace is and how it supports career breaks15:12 – Laughter, creativity, and live experiences16:23 – When your break starts with grief or mixed emotions18:22 – Katrina’s “freedom day” and reclaiming autonomy20:31 – Why the first two weeks of a break are pure magic22:44 – What not to do: scrolling and energy leaks23:54 – The 5 guidelines for starting your break well25:32 – How to know if something is truly heart-expanding27:05 – Doing things with intention (even naps)28:51 – Final reflections on slowing down and setting the toneListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 57 - How To Overcome The Uncertainty Of Taking A Career BreakUncertainty is one of the biggest barriers stopping people from taking a career break—and it doesn’t just show up before you leave. In this episode, James and Katrina unpack why uncertainty feels so uncomfortable, why trying to eliminate it never works, and how learning to sit with the unknown can actually transform your life.Katrina shares four powerful mindset shifts that help high achievers stop overthinking their career break and start trusting themselves. From understanding how instant information has weakened our tolerance for uncertainty, to reframing worry as unproductive imagination, this conversation challenges the way we’ve been taught to make decisions about work and life.You’ll also hear why a career break isn’t about finding the “right” answer—but about committing to a decision and making it right through adaptability, self-trust, and discovery. If you’re stuck in analysis paralysis, worried about what comes next, or trying to predict every possible outcome before stepping away from work, this episode will help you let go of certainty and move forward with confidence.This episode also explores how building tolerance for uncertainty can improve your mental health, confidence, and long-term career satisfaction. Katrina shares practical ways to strengthen this skill—both in everyday life and during a career break—so you’re not constantly chasing reassurance, control, or perfect timing. Whether you’re contemplating a break, already on one, or preparing for re-entry, this conversation will help you feel more grounded, capable, and confident navigating whatever comes next.Timestamps00:00 Navigating Uncertainty in Career Breaks03:13 The Impact of Instant Information on Uncertainty06:26 Worry vs. Planning: Understanding the Difference09:08 The Power of Language: Searching vs. Discovery21:36 The Journey of Discovery24:56 Embracing Uncertainty in Career Breaks27:03 Making Decisions: Right vs. Making It Right33:36 Building Tolerance for Uncertainty42:06 Join BreakSpaceListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 56 - Why Job Searching Too Early Can Ruin Your Career BreakTaking a career break or sabbatical is meant to restore your energy, clarity, and sense of purpose — but what happens when job searching sneaks in too early?In this episode, James and career break coach Katrina McGhee unpack one of the most common (and sneakiest) mistakes people make during a break: starting the job search before they’re truly ready. What feels like being “responsible” or “playing it safe” can actually sabotage the entire purpose of taking time off.Through real client stories from BreakSpace, Katrina explains why straddling two worlds — being half on a break and half in job-search mode — drains your energy, reinforces burnout, and creates unnecessary pressure and self-doubt. You’ll learn why fully disconnecting from work is essential, how to recognize resistance as valuable data, and when it might actually be time to extend your break rather than push through.If you’re currently on a career break, planning one, or feeling tempted to “just browse jobs,” this episode will help you rethink reentry, protect your time off, and come back to work restored, confident, and aligned — instead of rushed and resentful.In this episode, we cover:Why early job searching feels safe but often backfiresThe hidden cost of straddling a break and a job searchHow resistance and resentment are signals — not failuresWhen extending your break might be the smarter moveWhy fully unplugging from work leads to better reentry outcomesIf you’re dreaming of a career break or navigating one right now, you don’t have to do it alone. Resources for Katrina’s coaching, book, and BreakSpace community are linked in the show notes.Timestamps00:00 The Temptation of Early Job Searching03:56 Understanding Breaks and Job Search Energy06:40 The Mixed Emotions of Reentering the Workforce09:50 Straddling Two Worlds: The Dangers of Half-Commitment13:28 The Importance of Fully Embracing Breaks16:18 Mindset Shifts: From Scarcity to Abundance in Job Searching22:22 Join BreakSpaceListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 55 - Why Celebrating Your Wins Matters More Than You ThinkIn this episode, James Hammond is joined by career break and sabbatical coach Katrina McGhee to unpack one of the most overlooked tools for sustainable success: celebration.High achievers are often wired to move the goalposts, downplay progress, and focus on what’s missing rather than what’s working. Katrina explains why this mindset fuels burnout, dissatisfaction, and self-sabotage — and how learning to consistently celebrate wins can completely change the way you experience work, career breaks, and life transitions.Drawing from her coaching practice and personal experience, Katrina shares how celebrating progress (not perfection) builds momentum, confidence, and self-belief — especially during career breaks, periods of uncertainty, or major life change. This conversation is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about pushing harder, but about noticing how far you’ve already come.If you’re feeling burned out, stuck in a cycle of never-enough, or struggling to enjoy your achievements, this episode offers a simple but transformative shift you can start using immediately.In this episode, we cover:Why high achievers struggle to celebrate their winsHow focusing on what’s missing leads to burnout and self-doubtThe difference between celebrating milestones vs. celebrating consistentlyHow celebration builds momentum during career breaks and big life changesWhy progress matters more than perfectionA simple weekly practice to start celebrating your wins without guiltWhether you’re planning a career break, already on one, or simply feeling stuck in hustle mode, this episode will help you reframe success and reconnect with a healthier, more sustainable way forward.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction & why celebration is often overlooked by high achievers 04:30 – How focusing on what’s missing fuels burnout and self-sabotage 09:45 – Why celebrating progress (not perfection) builds momentum and confidence14:30 – A real coaching example: recognizing growth you can’t see yourself 19:30 – How to build a simple, consistent celebration practiceListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 54 - From 3am Work Calls to a Life Rebuilt: A Career Break Client Success StoryWhat does it really take to step away from a career when burnout feels overwhelming and stopping feels impossible?In this powerful client story episode, career break and sabbatical coach Katrina McGhee is joined by James Hammond to unpack a real-life journey from chronic burnout to a completely reimagined life. The episode explores the experience of a mid-career professional who was trapped in constant responsibility, on-call work demands, and a deep fear that everything would fall apart if he stepped away.Through this honest conversation, listeners hear how burnout can quietly escalate into a serious health and wellbeing crisis — and why taking a career break is often not a luxury, but a necessity.Katrina walks through her coaching process, sharing how fear, financial anxiety, identity tied to work, and feelings of guilt can keep high achievers stuck. The episode also highlights the importance of building the right support system, reframing “selfishness,” and designing a break that leads to long-term life change — not just temporary relief.This episode is especially relevant for professionals in their 40s and 50s who feel trapped by responsibility, leadership roles, or financial pressure, and who secretly wonder if life could look different on the other side of burnout.In This Episode, Listeners Will Learn:What real burnout looks like beyond “just being tired”Why many high achievers feel unable to stop working — even when their health is sufferingHow fear and identity keep people stuck in careers they’ve outgrownWhat a supported career break can look like in practiceHow reframing guilt and “selfishness” can unlock real changeWhy taking a break can lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling life — not career failureWho This Episode Is For:Burned-out professionals and high achieversAnyone considering a career break, sabbatical, or extended time offListeners feeling trapped by responsibility, finances, or fear of letting others downThose seeking real, human stories — not just productivity adviceTimestamps00:00 Introduction to the Client Story01:44 Understanding Burnout and Fear of Taking a Break03:32 The Role of Support in Overcoming Challenges07:16 The Journey Begins: Coaching and Transformation14:00 Addressing Fears and Reframing Self-Care16:24 The Client's Break and Reclaiming Life18:40 The Positive Outcomes of Taking a Break22:38 Join BreakSpaceListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 53 - What happens when your career break is coming to an end… and instead of feeling refreshed or excited, you feel dread?In this episode, James Hammond and career break & sabbatical coach Katrina McGhee respond to a powerful listener question:What if you’re dreading going back to work at the end of your career break — and don’t know why?Together, they unpack the emotional crash many people experience after time away from work, especially after a long career break or sabbatical. Whether you’re facing the return to the same job, starting a job search, or questioning everything you thought you wanted, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical guidance.Katrina shares her 3-step framework for navigating the fear, frustration, and uncertainty of returning to work — and explains why these feelings are not a failure, but valuable information. You’ll learn how to process the emotions you’re experiencing, reconnect with a motivating “why,” and reframe what work can look like after a break.This conversation is especially relevant if:You feel anxious or resistant about going back to work after time offYou’re returning from a career break or sabbatical and feel stuckYou don’t want to fall back into the same grind you leftYou’re unsure whether to return to work, change careers, or redesign your lifeIf you’ve ever wondered “Why do I feel like this?” or “Is it normal to dread going back to work after a career break?” — this episode is for you.Why dreading the end of a career break is more common than you thinkThe emotional impact of returning to work after travel or time offHow to process fear, burnout, frustration, and uncertainty without judgmentThe importance of finding a new motivating goal after your breakHow to return to work with more purpose, clarity, and intentionWhy work after a career break doesn’t have to look like work before itIf you’re navigating life after a career break and wondering what comes next, this episode will help you move forward with more confidence — even if you don’t have all the answers yet.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome + today’s listener question01:20 – Why dreading the end of a career break is so common03:10 – Career break vs sabbatical: why returning feels different05:00 – Step 1: Feeling the emotions instead of fighting them07:40 – Why fear, frustration & dread are useful signals09:50 – Katrina’s experience returning from her own career break12:00 – Step 2: Finding a new motivating “why” after your break14:40 – Reframing money, security & healthcare as intentional choices17:00 – When “shoulds” push you back to work too soon18:50 – Step 3: Reimagining work after a career break21:00 – How returning to work doesn’t have to mean returning to burnout22:30 – Final reflections + what to do if you’re still unsureListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 52 - Revisiting Episode 21 - What Most Career Coaches Get WRONG About Career BreaksThis week, in the final episode of our revisited series, we look back at Katrina’s second appearance on the podcast—Episode 21—and a conversation that’s more relevant than ever.At the time, Katrina noticed a surge of career break advice coming from media-facing career coaches, much of it well-intentioned but not always trustworthy. While many career coaches excel at helping people re-enter the workforce, change careers, or polish a résumé, that doesn’t automatically make them experts in taking a career break.In this episode, Katrina explains why working with a dedicated career break coach—someone who understands the realities, risks, and opportunities of stepping away—can make all the difference when planning time off work and setting yourself up for what comes next.🧠 Key TakeawaysYou’re not taking a break to become a better cog in the machine — you’re taking it to live a better life.Let go of productivity guilt and give yourself permission to truly disconnect.Reframing your career break as a life investment shifts the whole narrative.Not every moment of your break needs to serve your next job — it should serve you.Timestamps00:00 The Importance of Taking Breaks03:46 The Importance of Taking a Career Break06:34 Staying Connected vs. Disconnecting09:46 The Myth of Staying Updated in Your Industry13:14 The Pressure to Upskill During a Break16:16 Justifying Your Career Break19:00 Centering Yourself on Your Break23:37 Join BreakSpace Listen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 51 - Revisiting Episode 12 - Are You On A Career Break Or A Fake BreakIn this week's episode we are revisiting James' second episode choice and it is Episode 12.Are you really on a career break or are you faking it? This is one of the most hard-hitting episodes as it brings home the reality to people when they assess their own career break. Katrina gets a lot of messages from people about this episode which triggers something in them to re-evaluate. It is always great to dive into the early episodes and for the first time you get to watch this one too.Enjoy!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Fake Breaks02:54 Understanding the Concept of a Fake Break04:58 Signs of a Fake Break: Job Searching06:55 Signs of a Fake Break: Networking08:48 Signs of a Fake Break: Overscheduling11:46 Signs of a Fake Break: Chores and Errands16:09 Signs of a Fake Break: External Validation23:15 Consequences of a Fake Break24:13 How to Resolve Fake Break SignsListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 50 - Revisiting Episode 19 - Letting Go of Career Break Expectations: Why 3 Months Is the Magic NumberWelcome to Episode 50, and as we approach the end of the calendar year, Katrina and James are going to pick two episodes each from our catalogue that people should definitely check out. This week, it is Katrina's turn, and she picks Episode 19 - Letting Go of Career Break Expectations: Why 3 Months Is the Magic NumberWhat happens when your career break doesn’t go as planned?You take time off expecting to feel restored, get fit, maybe write that book, or finally tick off a bucket list goal… but a few months in, you’re still exhausted, overwhelmed, or nowhere near those expectations. In this episode, James sits down with career break coach Katrina McGhee to unpack the emotional rollercoaster of taking time off — and why letting go of rigid expectations is the key to actually enjoying and growing from the experience.Timestamps00:00 The Importance of Breaks01:27 Understanding the Three-Month Rule02:51 Introduction and Personal Updates06:55 Understanding Expectations During Career Breaks12:13 The Three-Month Mark: A Turning Point16:08 Navigating Changing Expectations22:15 Avoiding Unrealistic Expectations24:31 Join BreakSpaceListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 49 - Revisiting Episode 4 - Can You Afford A Career Break?Welcome to Episode 49, and as we approach the end of the calendar year, Katrina and James are going to pick two episodes each from our catalogue that people should definitely check out. This week, it is James' turn and he picks Episode 4 - Can You Afford A Career Break?If we are honest with ourselves, any subject relating to money like a career break, a holiday, a house, a car or an expensive purchase, the first thing that comes to mind is can you afford it?With a career break, this is no different.Katrina shares her story of clearing debts and saving money at the same time to go on a career break and James shares his stories from working low paying job but still being able to travel long term afterwards.An intriguing episode and one you should definitely listen to, check it out and let us know what you think.Timestamps00:00 Exploring the Topic of Money and Career Breaks02:28 Budgeting for Your Career Break14:45 Can You Afford a Break?21:15 Join BreakSpaceListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 48 - The Future of Career Breaks in 2026: Trends, Data & Why More People Are Taking SabbaticalsIn this episode, James and Katrina explore an important question as 2026 approaches: Are career breaks becoming more accepted and normalised, or is the movement slowing down? The conversation reveals a clear answer — the momentum behind sabbaticals is stronger than ever.James invites Katrina to break down the real trends she’s seeing through her coaching, BreakSpace community, and the growing volume of research on the topic. Katrina explains why the demand for sabbaticals keeps increasing, how major platforms like LinkedIn and Harvard Business Review have validated the trend, and why people are feeling more empowered to take intentional time off.They also discuss the most powerful driver behind the rise of career breaks — seeing other real people do it. Whether through personal networks or storytelling, this visibility creates a ripple effect that encourages others to take the leap.The episode touches on burnout, shifting work culture, and why more professionals are questioning the traditional path. James and Katrina also share details about a new 2026 mini-series featuring powerful, real career break stories from individuals Katrina has supported first-hand.For anyone considering a sabbatical, dealing with burnout, or simply curious about the future of the movement, this episode offers clarity, inspiration, and practical insight. Katrina also shares resources and ways listeners can begin exploring their own break.A reflective, energizing, and forward-looking episode as the show heads toward an exciting 2026.As always, if you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave us a 5-star rating, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe so you never miss a new conversation.Timestamps00:00 — Welcome00:49 — How accepted are career breaks heading into 2026?02:20 — What LinkedIn’s Career Break feature tells us04:00 — The role of seeing someone else take a break06:00 — Why the great resignation accelerated the trend08:10 — Burnout, bore-out, and why work is becoming unsustainable09:21 — BreakSpace: the community supporting hundreds of breaks10:00 — The power of real personal stories (and our 2026 mini-series)12:40 — Why everything feels impossible until someone else does it15:00 — How Katrina supports people through coaching and BreakSpace17:30 — Looking ahead to 2026 and what’s coming on the podcast19:00 — A preview of James’s trip to BhutanListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 47 - The 5 Essential Ground Rules for a Successful Career BreakIn Episode 47 of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, Katrina and James sit down in person to explore the five essential ground rules for creating a successful, fulfilling, and regret-free career break.Together, they walk through what it truly means to define a personal version of success, why planning the re-entry phase before the break even begins can transform the experience, and how understanding the financial side of a break brings clarity and confidence. They also dig into the emotional reality of disconnecting from work in a hyper-connected world and discuss why bringing focus back onto oneself remains the cornerstone of a meaningful break.Katrina shares insights from coaching more than 200 clients, including real examples of navigating uncertainty, emotional lows, financial fears, and the pressure to stay productive. The conversation highlights how a well-structured break can help listeners step out of burnout and step into a healthier, more intentional life.This episode is designed for anyone considering a break, planning one, or struggling to make sense of time away from work. With a mix of practical advice and heartfelt honesty, James and Katrina offer a roadmap to make any career break purposeful, aligned, and transformative.As always, if you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave us a 5-star rating, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe so you never miss a new conversation.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Episode 4700:50 – Why ground rules matter for a career break02:10 – Rule #1: Create your own definition of success06:40 – Can your definition of success change mid-break?07:55 – Why your purpose should remain consistent10:30 – Rule #2: Plan for your re-entry period13:00 – What happens when you don’t feel ready to return to work16:40 – How Katrina landed 5 job offers in 5 weeks20:00 – Rule #3: Know your numbers25:00 – Budgeting vs saving — and how it impacts your break27:30 – Extending your break with smart financial planning31:10 – Rule #4: Disconnect from the working world34:20 – Why LinkedIn is the enemy of a peaceful break37:00 – Managing FOMO, comparison, and work-related anxiety41:00 – Rule #5: Put the focus back on yourself45:15 – Setting boundaries with others and with yourself48:00 – Bringing your break back to your purpose50:30 – Why the final five ground rules are in the book51:20 – Wrap-up and takeaway messageListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL ALERT!If you've been thinking about joining BreakSpace, the global community for current and aspiring career breakers and sabbatical takers, get ready for an amazing deal. We're offering 40 % off your first month for the first 20 people who sign up. This means you'll be welcomed into the BreakSpace community with full access to our courses, live coaching, and expert-led master classes for just $29. But unlike most Black Friday purchases, this investment will pay dividends for the rest of your life. So make sure you're on the wait list and be the first in line to snag one of those 20 spots. Join the wait list today - https://www.gobreakspace.comListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 46 - There Were Signs: How We Learned to Break the Status Quo and Lessons in Courage, Authenticity, and Going Your Own WayIn this reflective and deeply personal episode, Katrina and James explore the moments in their lives when the signs were there all along—the nudges, red flags, and inner whispers that pointed them away from the status quo and toward a more aligned, authentic life. These are the stories that shaped who they became, long before a career break was even on the horizon.Katrina opens up about her early career choices and the unmistakable moments when she knew she didn’t quite fit into the mold around her. From turning down a “safe” corporate job despite external pressure, to boldly choosing time over money at just twenty-four, she shares the decisions that signaled she was a square peg refusing to squeeze into a round hole. She also recounts a pivotal, vulnerable moment in business school—standing in front of a room of high-achieving MBA students and choosing authenticity over conformity—that ultimately reinforced her belief in staying true to herself.James mirrors these stories with his own path, including the unconventional decisions that pulled him away from expectation and toward possibility. He reflects on turning away from the typical academic route, choosing music over traditional subjects, discovering the world of long-term travel, and how those early experiences shaped the life he eventually built. His story of working relentlessly to fund a two-year adventure—and the shift years later toward building a sustainable, purpose-driven career—reveals just how powerful it can be to raise the bar for your own life.Together, they explore how these moments add up: the subtle knowing, the brave choices, the course corrections, and the willingness to disappoint others in order not to disappoint yourself. This conversation is for anyone standing at a crossroads, sensing that something in their life no longer fits, and wondering whether they dare to choose something different.If you’re feeling the pull toward a career break, a lifestyle shift, or a version of life that aligns more deeply with who you are, this episode will remind you that honouring those signs can open the door to possibilities you haven't even imagined yet. You’re not meant to fit into every space—sometimes the life you want starts with simply admitting the shape of who you are.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Status Quo Breakers01:53 Courage to Follow Your Own Path03:48 Personal Stories of Career Decisions09:50 Defining Success on Your Own Terms16:33 The Importance of Vulnerability22:34 Navigating Life's Seasons25:22 Final Thoughts on Time and AlignmentListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 45 - How to Build Your Break Blueprint: 5 Elements of a Successful Career BreakIn this episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, we’re laying the foundation for your most successful break yet. Katrina walks through her signature framework — the Break Blueprint — revealing the five essential elements that help you plan, live, and return from your career break with purpose and clarity. From defining your “why” and setting themes that guide your time off, to creating a wish list that actually fuels your growth, Katrina and James unpack what it really takes to design a fulfilling and financially sound break. You’ll also learn how to plan for reentry, avoid burnout at the finish line, and carry the lessons of your time off into your next chapter.Whether you’re just considering a break, actively planning one, or getting ready to return to work, this episode will give you a roadmap to do it with confidence and intention. Katrina also shares how you can access extra support — from her Break Blueprint Course inside Break Space, to her book Taking a Career Break for Dummies and private coaching for one-on-one guidance.Tune in, take notes, and start building your blueprint today. Subscribe, leave us a five-star review, and share this episode with someone who’s dreaming of taking a career break — it might be the nudge they need to make it happen.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome and episode intro01:00 – Reflecting on 45 episodes and planning for 202602:20 – Listener feedback, upcoming mini-series, and why your input matters03:25 – Introducing the Break Blueprint: the foundation of a successful career break04:45 – Element 1: Defining your purpose — your big “why”05:30 – Element 2: Creating themes to anchor your break06:20 – Element 3: Building your wish list (and why it’s not a to-do list)07:45 – Element 4: Planning for reentry — time, money, and mindset09:50 – Element 5: Key details — start date, budget, and break length11:50 – How to use the blueprint at different stages of your journey13:45 – Applying the blueprint if you’re already on a break or nearing reentry15:30 – Framing your break story for future opportunities16:30 – Katrina’s resources: the book, Break Space, and coaching options17:40 – Final thoughts: following the plan with confidence18:10 – James and Katrina wrap up and share where to learn moreListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Episode 44 - I Might Get Bored… or Love It Too Much: Two Unexpected Career Break FearsAre you secretly worried you’ll be bored on a career break — or even worse, that you’ll love it too much to ever go back?In this week’s episode of Taking A Career Break with Katrina McGhee, Katrina and James unpack two surprising fears that stop people from taking the break they’ve been dreaming about. These aren’t your typical money or career worries — they’re emotional, subtle, and surprisingly common.Katrina shares real stories from her coaching clients, her own experience taking a 20-month break, and what happens when you finally give yourself permission to slow down. Together, she and James explore why boredom can actually fuel creativity, how overstimulation makes rest feel uncomfortable, and what it really means if you’re scared to “like your break too much.”Then, the conversation turns to that second, almost funny but very real fear — what if you love your break so much you never want to go back? Katrina shares her own experience of not wanting her 20-month break to end, while James reflects on his cycles of working, travelling, and finding meaning beyond the 9–5 grind. Together, they explore what this fear really reveals about our relationship to freedom, fulfilment, and work.You’ll hear honest reflections on what happens when the fear of freedom meets the reality of modern work, plus practical advice for navigating your return — or redefining what work looks like next.Expect laughter, honesty, and plenty of aha moments — including why “tasting the good life” can raise your standards and inspire lasting change.⏱ Timestamps00:00 – Intro01:20 – Common vs. surprising fears02:00 – Fear #1: Being bored on a break04:00 – Client insights on stillness06:00 – Boredom, creativity, and overstimulation09:50 – James on boredom and creativity10:50 – Wrapping up fear #111:00 – Fear #2: Loving the break too much13:30 – What this fear really means15:00 – James on work, travel, and purpose16:30 – Katrina on returning to work and debt freedom17:40 – The “pool” analogy20:00 – Raising your standards after a break21:10 – Dating analogy for raising the bar22:18 – Taking action and final reflectionsListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 43 - Finding Freedom: The Art of Balancing Structure and Spontaneity on a Career BreakIn this episode, James and Katrina dive deep into one of the most common and misunderstood challenges people face when they finally decide to step away from work: how much structure do you actually need when you take time off?We’ve been conditioned to think freedom means doing whatever we want, whenever we want — but what happens when the complete lack of structure starts to feel overwhelming? Katrina, creator of The Break Blueprint, believes that structure and freedom aren’t enemies at all. In fact, the right kind of structure can become a powerful ally, helping you create space for self-discovery, rest, and exploration without falling into the trap of overplanning.Throughout the conversation, James and Katrina unpack the tension between control and curiosity — how to balance a desire for routine with the need to let go. Katrina explains how “guardrails” can guide your journey without turning it into an itinerary, and why the version of you three months into a break is wiser, calmer, and more open than the one who started it. They explore the mindset shifts needed to embrace flexibility, listen to your intuition, and build a break that evolves as you do.The episode also delves into the reality of high achievers — those who are used to constant productivity and goal-setting — and why they often struggle to rest. Katrina shares her advice on how to work with that inner voice that demands results, and how to use a blueprint not to restrict yourself, but to give yourself permission to explore what truly lights you up. From following “glimmers” — those small, joyful sparks that point toward fulfillment — to rediscovering your capacity for play, the conversation reveals how clarity, purpose, and freedom can coexist beautifully.They also discuss the Sunday Scaries, unused vacation days, and the American work culture that makes people feel guilty for slowing down. Katrina breaks down how our nervous systems adapt to constant doing, and why it takes intentional time and compassion to recalibrate. It’s a conversation that reminds us rest isn’t a reward for productivity.By the end, the message is clear: freedom doesn’t come from abandoning structure entirely — it comes from creating enough of it to support your spontaneity, while trusting yourself to follow what feels right. Whether you’re taking your first career break, planning time away to recharge, or simply rethinking how you use your weekends, this episode will leave you with practical insight, emotional clarity, and a renewed sense of what’s possible when you finally step off the treadmill.Timestamps00:50 – Welcome Back02:10 – Structure vs. Freedom: The Music Analogy03:11 – What Structure Really Means on a Break06:05 – How Much Structure Do You Need?07:55 – The Power of “Glimmers”10:10 – Giving Yourself Permission12:39 – The Fear of Boredom19:29 – Why Americans Don’t Take Time Off21:35 – Vacation Anxiety and the Sunday Scaries24:38 – Freedom Over Structure25:16 – Wrap-UpListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

🎧 Episode 42 – When Nobody Supports Your Career Break (Do It Anyway!)What happens when everyone around you — your friends, your colleagues, even your partner — tells you not to take a career break? In this powerful and honest conversation, I sit down with Katrina to explore what it really takes to follow your intuition when no one else understands your decision.Katrina shares a moving story about a client whose entire support system was against her dream of stepping away from work. Even her spouse begged her not to do it. Faced with burnout and exhaustion, she felt torn between what she knew she needed and what everyone else thought was “safe.” Together, we unpack the emotional side of this crossroads — fear, resistance, guilt, and the deeply personal reasons why people react so strongly when someone they love decides to step away.We dive into why this pushback often isn’t about you at all, but rather a reflection of other people’s limiting beliefs and anxieties. Katrina explains how clarity — not just confidence — becomes your most powerful tool when the world is telling you no. By crafting a clear purpose statement and defining the themes behind your break, you can start to transform fear into understanding. This episode also explores Katrina’s three paths to clarity and confidence — whether you’re doing it solo with her book Taking a Career Break for Dummies, joining her BreakSpace community for group support, or diving into one-on-one coaching. Whatever level you’re at, Katrina’s guidance helps you build a plan, a purpose, and the courage to take that first step.If you’ve ever felt burned out, stuck, or unsupported in your dreams, this episode will remind you that your break isn’t reckless — it’s restorative. You’ll learn how to reclaim your story, protect your energy, and lead with conviction, even when no one else gets it yet.Whether you’re still in the daydreaming phase, quietly researching, or standing at the edge of giving notice, this conversation will help you find strength, clarity, and permission to move forward.Timestamps00:50 – Welcome to Episode 42: When Nobody Wants You To Take a Career Break01:00 – Katrina explains the inspiration behind this episode and a powerful LinkedIn message that sparked it02:00 – What happens when everyone in your life says “don’t do it” — including your spouse03:30 – The truth about resistance: why it’s rarely about you and often about others’ fears06:00 – How clarity and purpose can transform fear into understanding07:00 – Building your “purpose statement” and “themes” to define your break with confidence08:30 – How to communicate your vision so your loved ones can finally see what you see09:30 – Katrina’s client story: from skeptical spouse to biggest supporter11:00 – The emotional turning point: how clarity creates permission and peace12:10 – Katrina’s “Good, Better, Best” framework for taking your break17:20 – The hardest milestone: actually giving notice to your employer18:40 – Why emotional support and belief in your vision are essential20:45 – Levels of accessibilityListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

🎙️Episode 41 -  It’s Never Too Late to Take a Career Break: An Inspiring Story with Katrina McGheeIn this week’s episode, James Hammond sits down with career break coach and author Katrina McGhee to explore one of the most empowering truths about work and life — it’s never too late to change direction. Fresh off celebrating her 46th birthday, Katrina shares how a chance encounter with an inspiring woman in her late fifties reminded her — and all of us — that age should never be a barrier to reinvention.From leaving behind a stable career in finance at 49 to becoming a thriving holistic esthetician and business owner, this real-life story is proof that courage, clarity, and self-belief can transform your path at any stage of life. Together, James and Katrina dive deep into what it really means to take a career break, how to navigate fear and uncertainty, and why redefining success can open the door to true fulfillment.This episode is packed with insight for anyone who’s ever felt “too old” or “too far along” to pivot, take a midlife career break, or chase a long-buried dream. Katrina also shares her wisdom on the emotional side of change — from dealing with external expectations to rediscovering your joy, energy, and purpose outside of work.If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to step away from the grind, find your spark again, and build a life that feels more aligned, this episode will give you the motivation (and permission) to do it.Join us for a heartfelt conversation that challenges the myth of “too late” — and reminds you that your next chapter could be your brightest yet.Get Involved💬 Got your own career break questions? DM us or email (links in show notes) and Katrina may answer them in a future episode.🎧 Follow Taking A Career Break With Katrina McGhee for more weekly tips, stories, and guidance.🌍 Share this episode with someone who’s been talking about needing a break — it might give them the courage to finally do it.Timestamps00:00 Introduction – Why it’s never too late to take a career break02:15 Katrina’s birthday reflections and what sparked this episode05:00 Real stories of reinvention: From finance to facialist10:40 Courage to pivot: How to walk away from security14:00 Finding purpose and joy beyond your career18:30 Why waiting until retirement might cost you more than you think22:45 Redefining success, happiness, and validation25:00 Final thoughts – what it really means to live a brighter lifeListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 40 - Escaping the 9-to-5: Proving Worth vs. Finding DevotionIn this episode of the podcast Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, Katrina reflects on one of the biggest questions people face when considering a break from their careers: Are you working to prove your worth, or are you devoting yourself to what truly matters?Katrina shares how this powerful question surfaced during her own moments of reflection as a digital nomad and life coach. She unpacks the difference between chasing external validation—through promotions, salaries, and titles—and choosing to live with intentional devotion to freedom, fulfilment, and joy.This conversation goes beyond the surface of taking time off. It’s about rethinking the cultural scripts that tell us success is only found in constant striving. Katrina explores how devotion can look different for everyone, from parenting to travelling the world to creating sustainable businesses. She emphasises that the key is making a conscious choice about where to devote your time, energy, and focus—rather than unconsciously trying to prove you’re “enough.”If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the 9-to-5 grind, wondering if all your effort is leading to true happiness, this episode will give you permission to pause, reflect, and reconsider your path. Katrina offers both practical wisdom and personal stories to help you see that a career break isn’t about weakness—it’s about courage, self-awareness, and living intentionally.Get Involved💬 Got your own career break questions? DM us or email (links in show notes) and Katrina may answer them in a future episode.🎧 Follow Taking A Career Break With Katrina McGhee for more weekly tips, stories, and guidance.🌍 Share this episode with someone who’s been talking about needing a break — it might give them the courage to finally do it.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Worth vs. Devotion02:18 The Reflection on Breaks and Commitment04:51 Proving Worth vs. Demonstrating Devotion08:44 Personal Journeys and Life Choices11:02 The Importance of Time and Intentionality13:39 Reframing Goals and Devotion17:49 Seasons of Life and Balance19:47 Join BreakSpaceListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 39 - Katrina Reflects on BreakSpace: What 100+ Members Taught Us About Career Break SuccessIn this episode of Taking A Career Break With Katrina McGhee, Katrina reflects on the first year of running BreakSpace, the community she co-founded with her partner Lyndall to support people in taking intentional and transformative career breaks. Over the past twelve months, more than 100 members have joined BreakSpace, creating a space for coaching, connection, and growth. Katrina shares what she has learned from leading this community and offers honest reflections on what truly makes a break successful.Throughout the conversation, Katrina explains that career breaks are not just about saving money, planning logistics, or booking flights. The deeper work often comes from learning to rest, setting boundaries, and giving yourself permission to slow down. She highlights the surprising impact of members witnessing each other’s experiences—showing that listening, reflecting, and sharing journeys within a supportive group can be just as transformative as one-to-one coaching.Katrina also dives into the importance of structure, revealing how her Break Blueprint has helped members approach their time off with clarity and purpose. She reflects on the courage it took to release this framework into the world and how it has since become a cornerstone of the BreakSpace experience. Her story illustrates why being brave enough to share your work and ideas can change lives, not just your own but those of the people you serve.Another key insight is that the greatest struggles members face are not external but internal. Feelings of guilt about resting, difficulty setting boundaries, and the fear of not doing enough often emerge. Katrina normalizes these emotions and shares how working through them can make the difference between a career break that feels wasted and one that becomes a profound turning point.Most striking of all, Katrina has observed that nearly everyone who takes a break ends up wanting to redesign their life. Even those who enjoy their jobs often see their time away as an opportunity to reimagine how they want to live and work going forward. This realization inspired the creation of BreakSpace’s Design Your Life course, helping members build lives that prioritize well-being, joy, and balance.Finally, Katrina emphasizes the undeniable power of community. For many, simply joining a call with others who “get it” provides immense relief and validation. Taking an unconventional step like a career break can feel isolating, but BreakSpace has proven that being surrounded by a supportive group makes the journey easier, more joyful, and far more impactful.To learn more about joining the BreakSpace community, visit www.gobreakspace.com.Get Involved💬 Got your own career break questions? DM us or email (links in show notes) and Katrina may answer them in a future episode.Timestamps00:00 Celebrating One Year of BreakSpace05:46 The Power of Community in Coaching09:41 Overcoming Internal Struggles During Breaks14:21 Redesigning Life: A Common Desire16:03 The Importance of Community in Break JourneysListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=enProduced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 38 - Katrina Answers Your Questions on Career Breaks: Money, Mindset & StigmaWelcome back to Taking A Career Break With Katrina McGhee! In this episode, Katrina answers your questions about career breaks, from how much money you really need to budget to how to ask your employer for a sabbatical, and even how to overcome the stigma that still surrounds taking time off work.Katrina is a certified life coach, author, and career break expert who has guided countless professionals through planning and enjoying successful breaks. Together, we explore the financial, emotional, and personal side of pausing your career, while also discussing why the career break movement is rapidly growing around the world.Throughout this conversation, Katrina explains how to approach your employer with confidence, how to create a realistic budget for three, six or twelve months away, and how to work through the fear and self-doubt that often stop people from following through with their plans. She also shares her perspective on the worst advice about career breaks, what you should actually do during your time off, and why taking a break now might be one of the best decisions you ever make.By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer picture of what it really takes to plan a successful break, why it matters for your wellbeing and career, and how to use this time to reconnect with yourself, heal from burnout, and return with clarity and renewed energy.Why Listen?By tuning in, you’ll:✅ Learn how to budget and plan for your break with confidence.✅ Discover ways to communicate with your employer.✅ Gain tools to overcome stigma and fear.✅ Feel inspired by real-life examples of career break transformations.Get Involved💬 Got your own career break questions? DM us or email (links in show notes) and Katrina may answer them in a future episode.🎧 Follow Taking A Career Break With Katrina McGhee for more weekly tips, stories, and guidance.🌍 Share this episode with someone who’s been talking about needing a break — it might give them the courage to finally do it.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Rapid Fire Questions02:27 How to Ask for a Sabbatical06:27 Financial Planning for a Career Break10:03 The Growing Career Break Movement13:09 Overcoming Stigma Around Career Breaks14:59 Identifying Blockers to Taking a Career Break16:47 Misconceptions About Career Breaks19:52 What to Do on Your Career BreakListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=enProduced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 37 - Career Break Mindset: Overcoming Guilt, Finding Joy & Redefining SuccessTaking a career break isn’t just about money, logistics, or checking off boxes—it’s about mindset. In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, James Hammond sits down with career break coach Katrina McGhee to dive into the mental and emotional side of stepping away from work.Together, we unpack the hidden challenges many professionals face when they finally hit pause: identity struggles, guilt over rest, and the discomfort of simply “being” instead of constantly “doing.” Katrina shares her expertise on how to shift your perspective so that your break becomes a time of joy, growth, and true self-care, rather than stress or second-guessing.From tackling the fear of stillness to exploring how health, travel, and business can coexist during a sabbatical, this episode is full of practical wisdom and inspiring insights. Whether you’re planning your first career break or rethinking what rest means in your life, this conversation will help you create space for wellness, joy, and purpose.If you’ve ever felt guilty about slowing down—or worried that you won’t “use your time off productively”—this episode is for you. Katrina explains how to build your joy muscle, let go of outdated work-driven validation, and design a break that actually restores you.Timestamps00:00 Embracing the Break: The Importance of Enjoyment03:22 Mindset Shift: From Numbers to Enjoyment06:39 Internal Challenges: Identity and Self-Worth09:56 Overcoming Internal Barriers: Permission to Be13:11 Reconditioning for Joy: Building a Joy Muscle15:58 Navigating Stillness: The Challenge of Being18:46 Real-Time Journey: Preparing for a Career Break19:10 Taking A Career Break Outro👉 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why mindset is just as important as money when planning a breakHow to separate your self-worth from your job titleWhy rest doesn’t need to be “earned” through struggleThe hidden challenges most career-breakers face (and how to overcome them)How to give yourself permission to enjoy rest, travel, or simply stillness✨ If you’re curious about how to truly make the most of your career break—and not just survive it—this episode will give you the tools and confidence to redefine what success looks like.Listen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=enProduced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 36 - The Cost of Waiting: A Powerful Story on Dreams Deferred and Why You Shouldn't Wait For RetirementIn this powerful and profoundly moving episode, James Hammond sits down with career break coach and author Katrina McGhee to explore the true cost of waiting to chase your dreams. Katrina shares a personal and emotional story about one of her earliest clients — a man who had big plans for travel and adventure, but kept postponing his career break for what he considered the “perfect time.” Sadly, he never got the chance to realise those dreams.This story is a wake-up call for anyone deferring their passions, whether it’s travel, a career shift, or simply taking time for themselves. James and Katrina reflect on why waiting for perfect conditions can be dangerous, the hidden risks of tying joy to retirement timelines, and the importance of creating space for sabbaticals or mini-escapes. They also discuss how to balance financial security with living life fully and offer practical ways to stop delaying your dreams.More than just a conversation about career breaks, this episode is about living intentionally, embracing opportunities now, and ensuring you don’t look back with regret. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might need a little nudge to stop waiting and start living.Got questions or stories to share? Reach out to us via email, Instagram, or LinkedIn (links are available in the show notes).Just a final note to say that this episode may cause you to be upset, and it certainly was a difficult one to record. However, we passionately believe that the key message here is to take action on your career break or pursue your dreams. Don't take getting to retirement for granted, as you may not reach it. Take action and work towards that goal. Katrina and JamesTimestamps00:00 – Welcome + introduction to Katrina McGhee01:00 – Why this story matters and setting the scene02:30 – Katrina shares her crisis of confidence while writing her book04:00 – The story of an early client who dreamed of a career break06:00 – Discovering what happened to him and the impact on Katrina08:00 – A life deferred: waiting for retirement and missed opportunities10:00 – Reflections on work, money, and the “escape plan” mindset12:30 – The heartbreaking lesson on health, life, and timing14:00 – Why “perfect conditions” rarely arrive15:30 – Living with urgency: how to stop waiting and start now17:00 – Final reflections and how listeners can apply this story to their own livesListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected] - https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=enProduced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 35 - Sabbatical vs. Career Break: What Kind of Break Do You Need and For How Long?In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, James Hammond sits down with career break coach Katrina McGhee to explore one of the biggest questions professionals face: what type of break should I take—and how long should it last?From stacking paid time off for a mini reset to negotiating a leave of absence or planning a full career break, Katrina shares the pros, cons, and practicalities of each option.We unpack the real difference between a sabbatical and a career break, why “mini retirements” might not be the best term, and how some people use breaks as a stepping stone into semi-retirement or early retirement. Katrina explains why clarity on your purpose is key, how to decide on the right length of time off (from a few weeks to over a year), and why the average break her clients take is around 11 months.James and Katrina also dive into financial planning, workplace policies, and even health care considerations when taking extended time away from work. They share real-life stories of employees negotiating paid leaves, examples of short versus long breaks, and the steps you can take to design a break that actually works for your life and career goals.If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a sabbatical, career break, or just an extended vacation—and how to figure out the timing—this episode is packed with insights to help you create space for rest, reflection, and freedom.Timestamps00:00 – Intro: What kind of break should you take and how long should it last?01:00 – Katrina joins the conversation and shares her thoughts on “hump day” culture02:20 – Types of breaks overview: PTO blocks, leaves of absence, sabbaticals, and career breaks03:30 – Stacking PTO for a mini reset vs. a true break05:30 – Leaves of absence explained: burnout, caregiving, relocation, or higher education07:45 – What a sabbatical really is (outside academia)08:20 – Defining career breaks, gap years, and why “mini retirement” doesn’t sit right09:40 – Career breaks as a transition into semi-retirement or early retirement12:20 – Rethinking retirement: freedom, semi-retirement, and doing work you love14:30 – Redefining “work” and finding purpose beyond a paycheck17:20 – Why waiting until your 70s for fun isn’t realistic—spreading joy across decades19:00 – Step 1: Clarifying your goal and why you need a break20:30 – Step 2: Deciding how much time you actually need22:40 – Step 3: Examining options—handbooks, finances, and healthcare24:40 – Real stories of employers offering unexpected leave and flexibility25:40 – Data points: average 11-month breaks, shortest 5 weeks, longest 2 years26:45 – James shares his own sabbatical experience and company offer27:30 – Risks and realities of negotiating breaks with your employer28:50 – Wrapping up: practical advice, final reflections, and the “awkward endings” jokeListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected]

Episode 34 - Burn the Bridge: The Mindset Shift You Need to Finally Take Your Career BreakIn this episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, we dive into one of the most powerful mindset shifts you can make when you’re dreaming about – but not actually taking – your career break. It’s called “burning the bridge,” and it’s about removing the escape hatch that lets you walk away when things feel hard, uncertain, or uncomfortable. Katrina shares the personal story of how this philosophy helped her push through imposter syndrome and write her book Taking a Career Break for Dummies, one of the most challenging projects of her professional life.You’ll hear how her initial doubts nearly led her to quit, the turning point conversation that changed everything, and the mental and practical steps she took to commit fully. Along the way, we explore why so many aspiring sabbatical-takers delay their plans for months or even years, how fear of failure and the discomfort of “being seen trying” holds people back, and why a bold, no-turning-back decision can be the key to finally making your break happen.James and Katrina also talk about the difference between easy answers that keep you safe and the harder choices that move you toward your goals. They share examples from their own lives where burning the bridge – whether by giving notice at work, booking a non-refundable ticket, or investing in personal growth – created the accountability needed to follow through. This episode will inspire you to reflect on the resources you already have, the future you want to create, and the one decisive step you can take right now to commit fully to your dream. If you’ve been stuck on the fence, this conversation is your call to set the match, light the fire, and cross into the life you’ve been imagining.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to the episode and introduction to “burn the bridge”01:00 – Katrina sets the stage: a personal meets life-advice episode01:12 – The book deal that sparked the lesson02:23 – Imposter syndrome and overwhelm in writing the first chapter04:50 – Considering quitting before the book even began06:20 – The pivotal advice: you have to burn the bridge08:05 – The sample chapter feedback that changed everything09:30 – Committing 100% and removing the option to quit10:46 – James on failure, trying hard things, and public perception11:23 – The discomfort of being seen trying12:16 – Why passion, willpower, and consistency matter13:15 – How delaying your break is often fear in disguise14:50 – Practical ways to burn the bridge for your career break16:48 – James on “the easy answer is no” vs. the hard choice to commit18:16 – Katrina on mental shifts, accountability, and personal transformation20:10 – The closing quote: burn the bridge and learn to fly20:25 – Final reflections and wrap-up20:54 – Invitation to join BreakSpaceListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected]

Episode 33 - From $0 to $120K: What People Actually Spend on a Career BreakHow much does a career break really cost? In this eye-opening episode, Katrina McGhee and James Hammond unpack the actual numbers behind taking time off work—ranging from breaks that cost absolutely nothing to those that hit the $120,000 mark. Whether you're just beginning to think about a sabbatical or already mapping out your finances, this conversation offers clear, practical insights into what you might realistically spend.Drawing from Katrina’s experience coaching over 100 clients, you’ll hear how break budgets vary dramatically depending on lifestyle choices, travel preferences, and financial responsibilities. She explains how some people manage to take meaningful breaks without adding to their expenses at all, while others choose high-end travel and continue supporting large monthly commitments. The average monthly spend lands around $3,700, but that number is influenced by many factors—from passive income and living arrangements to debt and family needs.You’ll also hear Katrina’s take on the often-taboo subject of taking a break while still carrying debt, and how smart planning can make it entirely possible. James shares personal experiences too, and together they offer a wealth of tips for budgeting better, cutting down on unnecessary expenses, and aligning your spending with your purpose for the break.This episode is full of real talk—no fluff or generic advice. It’s designed to help you feel empowered to make informed financial decisions that support your break, rather than delay or cancel it. Katrina outlines how lifestyle audits, mindset shifts, and even simple day-to-day spending changes can drastically increase your savings and make a break feel within reach.Whether you’re planning to travel, stay local, or reinvent your lifestyle during your break, you’ll come away from this episode with a clearer sense of what’s financially possible. If you're curious about how people actually fund their breaks—and how to budget for your own—this is a must-listen.Katrina also shares resources from her book Taking a Career Break for Dummies and invites listeners into her supportive coaching space at GoBreakSpace.com.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome and episode overview01:00 – Why money is one of the biggest concerns around taking a break02:15 – The real cost of Katrina’s 20-month break03:00 – Career breaks that cost $0 — how it’s possible04:00 – The most expensive breaks Katrina’s clients have taken06:15 – How travel style dramatically affects your budget07:30 – Lifestyle audits that save thousands08:40 – The hidden impact of lifestyle creep on your finances10:15 – How one client cut expenses by 40% in under two months12:30 – Making trade-offs: saving for a break vs. spending now14:00 – Spending intentionally when planning your break16:00 – Should you take a break if you have debt?18:30 – Katrina’s story: taking a break with $42K in student loan debt20:30 – The average monthly cost of a career break revealed21:00 – Factors that shape your break budget: income, responsibilities, and travel24:00 – Most common spending range Katrina sees with clients25:20 – Final thoughts and how to dive deeper into budgeting with Katrina’s bookListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected]

Episode 32 - Career Break Travel Hacks: Bucket Lists, Upskilling Abroad & Phone BoundariesThinking of taking a career break or sabbatical? This episode is packed with practical tips and mindset shifts to help you make the most of your time away from the 9–5 grind. Katrina McGhee, sabbatical coach and author of Taking a Career Break for Dummies, joins James Hammond to talk about how to turn your break into a purposeful journey—without burning out or getting lost in endless scrolling. Whether you're planning three months in Europe or slow traveling across continents, this conversation will help you design an experience that aligns with your goals, values, and curiosity.Katrina and James get real about what it takes to balance adventure and rest while traveling long-term. They share personal stories about how fast and slow travel each play a role, how to plan around bucket list goals while leaving space for spontaneity, and why being intentional about your phone usage can radically improve your overall experience. Katrina explains how the themes of your break—whether you're seeking growth, healing, joy, or exploration—should guide how you plan your trip. James shares examples from his own career break and global adventures, emphasizing the value of mixing big, exciting activities with restorative downtime.They also explore the idea of upskilling while abroad, like taking a short course or learning a new language, and how that can add a layer of meaning or future benefit to your break. Plus, they discuss the real-life challenges of being present when you're tempted to document everything for social media or keep up with work emails. Toward the end, they each share their evolving bucket list goals—from seeing polar bears in Canada and dancing in Ibiza, to chasing paradise in French Polynesia and exploring new parts of Greece. It’s an honest, practical, and inspiring look at how to design a travel experience that truly serves you, rather than just filling your calendar.Whether you’re on the road or just starting to plan, this episode will give you permission to slow down, dream big, and take control of your time. And if you want community and support while you do it, Katrina shares how you can join BreakSpace, her one-of-a-kind global network for career breakers and sabbatical takers.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview01:00 – Building Variety into Your Career Break03:30 – Aligning Travel Plans with Break Themes05:20 – The Power of Rest Stops While Traveling07:00 – Spontaneity and Flexible Planning09:00 – One-Way Tickets and Serendipitous Moments11:00 – Upskilling and Learning While Abroad13:30 – Digital Discipline and Phone Boundaries15:30 – Staying Present as a Traveler and Creator16:10 – Bucket List Reflections: What’s Left to Do?19:00 – James’ Travel Bucket List Goals20:10 – Final Thoughts & BreakSpace Community InvitationListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected]

Episode 31 - Mixing It Up: Smart Ways to Keep Travel Fresh on Your Career BreakIn this episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, we dive into the challenge many travellers face during extended trips: boredom and burnout. Katrina and James share honest stories about moments of travel fatigue—from cathedral overload in Europe to quiet days in Thailand—and offer smart strategies to keep your career break exciting and meaningful.We explore the importance of switching up experiences, planning for spontaneity, staying connected with locals, and even how hobbies (or the lack of them!) can impact your down days. Plus, hear a hilarious couchsurfing story from Katrina’s road trip and learn why variety really is the spice of travel life.Katrina reflects on her time in Thailand, a country she loved, but where she experienced several days that felt surprisingly mundane. She describes wandering aimlessly, unsure what to do with her time, occasionally sitting in hostel lobbies just reading or people-watching. These were quiet, uneventful days—far from the highlight reels we often see online—but they were real. And for Katrina, they revealed something important: boredom is not a sign that something’s gone wrong. It’s part of the rhythm of life, even on the road.James adds his own experience from an interrailing trip through Europe, where city after city began to blur together. By the time he reached the final stops, the once-exciting buzz of cathedrals and squares started to lose its magic. The repetition was wearing him down, and that prompted a pivot—shifting the itinerary to include nature, mountains, and more immersive travel styles. That shift was key in keeping the journey fresh, inspiring, and emotionally engaging.Throughout the episode, the conversation keeps returning to a core idea: variety in your experiences helps you stay present and appreciative. Katrina shares how seeing dozens of cathedrals in Europe eventually numbed her to their beauty. Though she marvelled at places like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, by the time she had seen countless others, they began to feel indistinguishable. That burnout still lingers—she now avoids visiting churches when she travels. The lesson is clear: switching up your pace, environment, and activities not only prevents burnout but also helps preserve a sense of awe and wonder.The conversation then shifts into something even more relatable in the digital age: how phone use affects travel. James calls it out directly—the phone is a nightmare. 🕒 Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome + What to Expect This Episode01:29 – Seasonal Joy: Summer Favourites + Travel Vibes03:37 – Can Travel Get Boring? Personal Stories from Europe & Thailand06:35 – The Church Burnout: When Everything Starts Looking the Same07:50 – How to Mix It Up: Rotating Travel Styles for a Better Experience08:48 – Why Variation Helps Appreciation While Traveling09:15 – Hobbies on the Road: Struggles & Creative Solutions10:09 – Beware the Phone Trap: Being Present vs. Scrolling10:55 – Meeting People to Keep Travel Social & Fun11:11 – Katrina’s Couchsurfing Story in New Orleans: Biking, Dancing & Awkward Coins13:39 – Couchsurfing in Iran: A Tale of Connection & Culture16:08 – Wrap-Up + How to Connect with Us16:45 – Bonus Plug: What Is BreakSpace?Listen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠Email - [email protected]

Episode 30 - Why Routines Matter on a Career Break: Find Balance, Create Bedtime Habits & Have Regular Check-InsTaking a break from your career can feel expansive and freeing — but sometimes that much freedom can also feel overwhelming. In this episode, Katrina and I dive into the importance of routines and rhythms while on a career break or sabbatical. Whether you're a structure-loving planner or a go-with-the-flow traveller, adding a few intentional practices into your day can help you feel more grounded, present, and fulfilled.We talk about the power of a solid morning routine, how to create bedtime habits that actually support your rest, and why checking in with yourself regularly can make your break more meaningful. We also share personal stories of what works (and doesn’t work) for us, and how to stay flexible and experiment with routines without losing the spontaneity of your time off.Whether you're just starting your break or deep in the journey, this episode is packed with practical tools and insights to help you feel more balanced and intentional with your time.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Episode 30!01:00 – Celebrating podcast milestones (and dreaming of cake)03:40 – Introducing today’s topic: routines and rhythms on a career break04:30 – Why routines matter, even for the free-spirited05:45 – The 3 key elements Katrina recommends for structure on a break06:10 – Element 1: Morning routines – building small wins into your day08:30 – Setting the tone for your day (and avoiding the doom scroll)09:45 – Masculine vs. feminine energy approaches to mornings12:20 – Morning routine tips: experiment, don’t overdo it, add pleasure14:50 – Element 2: Bedtime habits & why your evening sets up your next day15:45 – Tips for evening routines that support better sleep and rest17:30 – Device boundaries and winding down without screens19:30 – James shares his own nighttime routine (and love of TV)20:00 – Katrina’s rule: the phone doesn’t go in bed!21:00 – Element 3: Check in with yourself – reflect, observe, improve22:30 – How to schedule check-ins and track what really matters to you24:10 – What lessons is your break teaching you?25:00 – A challenge to listeners: how solid is your routine?25:30 – Share your routine with us – we’d love to hear it!Listen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!BreakSpace - ⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠Email - [email protected]

Episode 29 - Why Career Breaks Are the Key to Mental Health, Wellness & Radical PrioritizationIn this honest and inspiring episode, Katrina McGhee and James Hammond dive deep into the emotional and physical realities of taking a career break to reclaim your mental health and overall wellness. Katrina shares her powerful story of investing $6,000 into a health coaching program, losing 21 pounds, and building a life-changing routine centered on radical prioritization. From overcoming perimenopause symptoms to recovering from serious injuries, she reveals how focusing on health became her ultimate act of self-care. James also opens up about his own wake-up call after a health scare led him to rethink his lifestyle and eating habits. Together, they reflect on how career breaks are not always about travel—they can be an essential tool to reset, heal, and build a better future. If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or overwhelmed, this conversation will show you how raising the stakes and aligning your values can help you take that first powerful step. Whether you're dreaming of a break or already on one, you'll walk away with insight, motivation, and a few laughs along the way.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro to the show and episode overview01:12 – Katrina shares how she’s really feeling lately02:26 – Why inspiration and escape still matter in heavy times03:27 – James becomes a Canadian citizen and reflects on the long journey05:06 – Katrina's major health and wellness update begins07:01 – The reality of perimenopause, setbacks, and self-doubt08:43 – Health as a reason to take a break and Katrina’s client examples09:34 – The importance of resetting your baseline for wellness11:10 – Injuries, frozen shoulder, and the road to physical recovery13:54 – Radical prioritization and sacrifice to achieve a big goal15:45 – Why investing in yourself raises the stakes18:57 – James shares his cholesterol scare and new fitness journey21:22 – Different ways to raise the stakes to achieve life-changing results24:34 – Aligning values, money, and mindset for your break26:19 – Final thoughts and gratitude to listeners27:28 – Join the BreakSpace community for your own transformative breakListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!BreakSpace - ⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠Email - [email protected]

🎙 Episode 28 – When to Job Hunt on a Career Break: Timing Your Reentry RightIn this insightful episode, Katrina McGhee and James Hammond explore one of the most common pitfalls for career breakers: job searching too soon. Drawing on Katrina’s experience as a career break and sabbatical coach, and James’s practical wisdom from years of international job hopping, this conversation gets honest about what it truly means to be ready to reenter the workforce.Katrina shares her proven “1 for 6” rule, helping you understand how much time you should dedicate to reentry based on the length of your break. They also discuss how early job searching can create unnecessary stress and derail the purpose of your break entirely.Whether you're currently on a sabbatical, planning one, or feeling anxious about what comes next, this episode is packed with practical strategies on compartmentalising your job search, building a reentry plan, managing expectations, and setting clear metrics to avoid burnout.🎯 What You’ll Learn:Why starting the job hunt too early can backfireHow to know when you’re actually ready to reenterThe 1-for-6 reentry planning strategyWhy “pray and spray” job applications don’t workHow to compartmentalise job search energyTools and mindset tips for navigating rejectionThe power of networking during reentryPractical advice for job seekers in today’s AI-driven world📌 Resources Mentioned:Katrina’s community + course: GoBreakSpace.comBook: Taking a Career Break for DummiesPlatforms: LinkedIn, Indeed, AI mock interview tools, Google job searchTimestamps00:50 – Episode Introduction02:30 – The Trap of Starting Too Early04:50 – The Toxic Spiral of Early Searching06:45 – Recommended Job Search Timeline08:30 – Making Career Pivoting Part of Your Break Theme10:15 – Reentry Tips: Start with Clear Metrics12:00 – Managing Rejection and Silence14:15 – Why “Pray and Spray” Job Applications Don’t Work16:00 – The Power of Networking Over Cold Applications18:00 – Updated Job Search Tools & AI Advice20:00 – Wrap UpListen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!BreakSpace - www.gobreakspace.comSchedule a call with Katrina - https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.phpOrder Katrina's book - https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/bookEmail - [email protected]

Episode 27 – Overcoming the Fear of Taking a Career BreakIn this insightful and practical episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, we explore one of the most common roadblocks to pursuing a meaningful break: fear.Whether it's fear of damaging your career, financial insecurity, public perception, or simply not knowing how to structure your time away from work, these concerns are valid—but they don’t have to be roadblocks. Katrina breaks down the psychological roots of these fears and shares a three-step framework to help you shift from paralyzed to empowered.Key discussion points include:The four major fears career breakers face—and how to identify your ownWhy fear is a natural part of the process and how to use it as a guide, not a barrierKatrina’s “Backseat Driver” strategy for reframing fear’s role in your decisionsHow to find clarity by “searching for the truth” and understanding your real financial numbersUsing real-life proof—stories, communities, and data—to normalize your decision and build confidenceA powerful real-world story of transformation from someone who overcame deep fear to finally take her dream trip to PeruWhether you’re a high-achiever planning your first sabbatical or someone already on the edge of burnout, this episode will help you rethink fear, reframe your mindset, and take action with purpose.Resources Mentioned:Taking a Career Break for Dummies by Katrina McGheeGoBreakSpace.com – A community and course platform for career breakersThe Break Blueprint courseReal examples from Katrina’s coaching clientsTakeaways:Fear will always be present, but it doesn't have to lead.Clarity comes from action, not overthinking.Community, data, and small wins build momentum.Listen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!Book a coaching session - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the waitlist for the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠Purchase Taking a Career Break for Dummies - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Episode 26: Key Components of Rest: How to Heal, Recharge, and Not Just Stay BusyIn this episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGee, we dive deep into a topic that’s too often overlooked when planning time away from work: true rest.Rest isn’t just about sleep or doing “nothing.” It’s about intentional choices that allow your body, mind, and nervous system to recover from burnout and recalibrate toward a more fulfilling life. Drawing on a powerful recent coaching session, Katrina unpacks how one client’s packed sabbatical plan lacked the very thing it needed most: genuine rest.Katrina shares the five personalized components of rest her client identified — including good sleep hygiene, unstructured time, and nature walks — and expands with 15 research-backed strategies you can incorporate into your own break. Whether you’re deep into your sabbatical, planning for one, or simply needing better boundaries in everyday life, this episode offers real, practical support.You’ll learn:Why fun and fulfilment aren’t always the same as restHow to recognise over-scheduling disguised as “productive” time offSimple ways to build rest into your break intentionallyHow to create personal “guardrails” to protect time for restorationThe power of boundaries — especially the ones we set with ourselvesPlus, Katrina shares tools like journaling for emotional release, forest bathing, daily walks of awe, and the importance of silence and solitude in our hyper-connected world.If you’ve ever said, “I’ll rest once everything’s done,” this episode is for you.👉 To learn more about Katrina’s proven career break coaching and access her step-by-step blueprint, visit GoBreakSpace.com.🎧 Listen now and redefine what rest means to you.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Career Breaks03:09 The Importance of Rest06:09 Key Components of Rest09:12 Setting Boundaries for Rest11:49 15 Ideas for Rest and Restoration18:00 Practical Takeaways and Conclusion🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!Book a coaching session - ⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠Join the waitlist for the BreakSpace community - www.gobreakspace.com⁠Purchase Taking a Career Break for Dummies - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠Email - ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Episode 25 - Pre-Trip Planning for Career Breaks: How to Prepare for Life-Changing TravelReady to take the leap into the unknown with a career break but not sure how to get started with travel planning? In this special role-reversal episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGee, Katrina takes over as host and interviews podcast co-creator and travel expert James Hammond, host of Winging It Travel Podcast. Together, they dive deep into everything you need to know before your big departure, offering practical guidance, seasoned travel wisdom, and inspiring personal stories.This is Part 1 of a special three-part travel series that unpacks the before, during, and after phases of travel during your career break. This episode focuses on pre-planning and preparation, helping you figure out what to do in the weeks and months leading up to your trip.Whether you're a career professional planning a bold sabbatical or a burned-out high achiever ready for a long-overdue reset, this episode is your go-to travel prep playbook.🎒 What you’ll learn in this episode:How to choose your destinations based on your personal goals and values (not Instagram envy)Why pushing outside your comfort zone creates the most powerful travel memoriesThe difference between travel budgets vs. total career break budgets—and how to structure bothTools like BudgetYourTrip.com to estimate daily spending by countryWhy slow travel and location flexibility are your secret weapon for long-term travel successHow to prepare logistically with travel insurance, VPNs, eSIMs, and accommodation booking hacksInsider tips on managing phone plans abroad (hello, Google Fi and GigSky!)The must-have packing list items people often forget but absolutely needHow to mentally transition into travel mode before you even leave homeWhy it’s crucial not to overplan—and how to leave space for spontaneity, rest, and personal evolution💥 Plus:Learn how James saved money and stayed flexible while traveling through Central America, Asia, and North America.Katrina shares a deeply honest take on why your break doesn’t have to be epic to be valid—and how your version of freedom might look very different from others.This episode is packed with actionable advice, budget breakdowns, mindset shifts, and real-world tips for anyone wondering, “What should I actually be doing before I go?”🌍 Planning a career break that includes travel? This is your essential first step.🎧 Tune in now and get ready to turn your dreams of travel into a concrete departure plan—with clarity, confidence, and a bit of cheeky fun.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Travel Planning01:09 Defining Your Travel Goals04:04 Budgeting for Your Career Break07:55 Accommodation and Travel Style12:03 Essential Travel Preparations18:02 Planning Flexibility and Itinerary21:02 Final Tips and Things Not to Do🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!Book a coaching session - ⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠Join the waitlist for the BreakSpace community - www.gobreakspace.com⁠Purchase Taking a Career Break for Dummies - ⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠Email - ⁠⁠[email protected]

Episode 24 - Why ‘Variation Creates Appreciation’—Essential Advice for Sabbatical TravelIn this episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, we dive into one of the most overlooked secrets of long-term travel: “Variation creates appreciation.” Katrina, career break coach and author of Taking a Career Break for Dummies, joins travel expert and podcast host James Hammond to discuss how embracing change, pacing yourself, and building intention into your travels can make your sabbatical or career break more enjoyable and sustainable.We explore the real challenges of extended travel, from burnout and boredom to unexpected health issues and travel fatigue. Katrina shares her own experiences from the road, including that moment when even the most beautiful cathedrals started to blur together—and what she did to regain her sense of wonder. We also discuss the importance of varying your environment, whether that involves alternating between hostels and hotels or taking “real life” days off from sightseeing to relax, reset, and reconnect.James offers his insights from years of constant travel, including a hilarious story of a friend who beat burnout in Bangkok by locking himself in a hostel with a video game console for two weeks. From practical tips on getting good rest and staying healthy while abroad, to the mindset shifts that help you appreciate the journey, this conversation is full of helpful takeaways for anyone planning a break from work to travel.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too much adventure or wondered how to pace your travels during a sabbatical, this episode will give you tools to create more meaning, more balance, and yes—more appreciation through variation.Plus, Katrina invites you to BreakSpace, her supportive new online community for career breakers and sabbatical takers. Join the crew at BrakeSpaceCrew.com and start planning a break that works for you, not against you.In this episode, we cover:What “variation creates appreciation” really means for long-term travelHow to avoid travel fatigue and burnout during your sabbaticalThe importance of mixing up hostels, hotels, and solo downtimeHow to maintain your physical and mental health while abroadStrategies for building intention and balance into your travel plansFunny real-life stories from James and Katrina’s own travel breaksWhy taking “real life” days off from sightseeing can actually enhance your journeyTools and mindsets that help make your break more joyful and sustainableTimestamps00:00 Introduction to Career Breaks00:32 Travelling During a Career Break01:53 Avoiding Travel Fatigue and Burnout04:54 Incorporating Regular Life into Travel07:15 Setting Intentions for Travel Days08:23 Health Considerations While Traveling11:58 Avoiding Boredom and Indifference🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!Book a coaching session - ⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠Join the waitlist for the BreakSpace community - ⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠Purchase Taking a Career Break for Dummies - ⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠Email - ⁠[email protected]

Episode 23 - Learn How to Cope with Loneliness on a Career Break: Real Talk & Practical Tips🌍 Taking a career break can be life-changing—but what happens when loneliness creeps in?In this heartfelt and honest episode, Katrina and James dive into a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough: loneliness during a career break. Whether you're traveling the world solo or staying local while taking time off from work, the feeling of disconnection is real—and totally normal.Katrina shares her own experiences and the fears she's heard from her clients, from solo backpacking in Southeast Asia to navigating the quiet moments when everyone else is busy with work and routines. James brings in the realities of solo travel and how it can be both freeing and isolating.✨ In this episode, you'll learn:Why loneliness hits harder during a break—even when you're surrounded by peopleThe surprising difference between being alone vs. feeling lonelyHow solo travel can actually open more doors for connectionThe downsides of being glued to your phone while travelingWhy couples or friend-group travel might limit spontaneityKatrina’s favorite 5 practical strategies to fight lonelinessJames’ bonus tips from the road: smile more, sit at the bar, and embrace guesthouses!📌 Tips Mentioned in the Episode:Reconnect with loved ones during your breakSit at the bar instead of a table when dining outTake local tours (even in your hometown!)Volunteer for a cause that matters to youWalk, smile, and stay open to spontaneous interactionsChoose social accommodation (hostels, guesthouses, homestays)Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Career Breaks00:33 Understanding Loneliness During Breaks03:03 Traveling Solo: Embracing Connections09:03 Building Community and Combatting Loneliness10:51 Practical Tips for Overcoming Loneliness🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!Book a coaching session - https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.phpJoin the waitlist for the BreakSpace community - www.gobreakspace.com⁠Purchase Taking a Career Break for Dummies - https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/bookEmail - [email protected]

Episode 22 - How Asking Better Questions Can Transform Your Career Break ExperienceIn this inspiring and deeply reflective episode, career break coach and author Katrina McGhee explores how the simple act of asking better questions can completely reshape your career break journey—and your life. Drawing from personal experience, client stories, and her best-selling book Taking a Career Break for Dummies, Katrina reveals how curiosity and intentional inquiry can help you move through uncertainty, make empowered decisions, and create meaningful change. Whether you're contemplating stepping away from your career, already on a sabbatical, or simply yearning for more clarity and purpose, this conversation will equip you with practical tools and mindset shifts to help you navigate what's next with more confidence, compassion, and courage.🧠 What You’ll Learn:Why curiosity is your most underrated tool during a career breakThree life-changing questions Katrina used to shape her own journeyHow to reframe fear-based “what if” questions into empowering promptsReal-life examples from coaching clients navigating uncertaintyHow Katrina’s book Taking a Career Break for Dummies continues to impact readers worldwide🔥 Episode Highlights:“What adventure will I have today?” – A daily mindset shift during saving for her break“What if this was divinely orchestrated?” – A perspective to tackle big goals and doubt“How is this working for me?” – Turning setbacks into growth opportunitiesTactical advice for U.S.-based listeners worried about health insurance during a breakTips for replacing self-doubt with possibility🎯 Perfect For:High achievers feeling unfulfilled or on the verge of burnoutAnyone planning or currently on a career break or sabbaticalListeners seeking practical mindset tools to navigate change with intentionTimestamps00:00 Introduction to Career Breaks05:43 The Power of Asking Better Questions12:50 Reframing Challenges and Finding Opportunities19:53 Navigating Health Insurance Concerns25:53 Creating Lasting Change Post-Break🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!ResourcesBook a coaching session - https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.phpJoin the waitlist for the BreakSpace community - www.gobreakspace.com⁠Purchase Taking a Career Break for Dummies - https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/bookEmail - [email protected]

Episode 21: What Most Career Coaches Get WRONG About Career BreaksThis episode is a rant with purpose. Katrina McGhee is back on the mic to call out the outdated, fear-driven, and downright misguided advice often handed out by traditional career coaches when it comes to taking a career break.From staying “relevant” to upskilling nonstop and obsessing over your resume during a break — Katrina and James tear into these myths and explain why it’s time to re-center your break around YOU, not your job.If you’ve ever felt guilty for wanting time off, or unsure how to “justify” your break, this episode is the permission slip and pep talk you didn’t know you needed.🧠 Key TakeawaysYou’re not taking a break to become a better cog in the machine — you’re taking it to live a better life.Let go of productivity guilt and give yourself permission to truly disconnect.Reframing your career break as a life investment shifts the whole narrative.Not every moment of your break needs to serve your next job — it should serve you.🎧 In This EpisodeWhy career coaches often give bad advice about career breaksThe problem with “staying connected to your network” during time offWhy obsessing over your resume and professional development defeats the purpose of a breakThe myth of “falling behind” in your industry — and what to focus on insteadHow to deal with unsolicited job offers or pressure from your LinkedIn networkThe power of real rest, reflection, and self-guided growthWhy you don’t need to justify your break to anyone⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Welcome to the Rant EpisodeJames and Katrina set the tone for today’s discussion—myth-busting common (and harmful) career break advice.01:28 – The Truth About “Staying Connected” to Your NetworkWhy trying to stay visible on LinkedIn during your break is a mistake—and what to do instead.04:56 – Dealing with Job Offers and Messages While on BreakHow to handle messages from recruiters or coworkers while you’re trying to disconnect.07:05 – The “Stay Up to Date” TrapWhy obsessing over your industry during your break defeats the purpose—and how to reframe what “falling behind” really means.10:07 – The Pressure to Upskill ImmediatelyKatrina unpacks why you don’t need to jump into courses or certifications right away—and how to tell if self-improvement is coming from fear or curiosity.14:37 – Resume Justification is OverratedStop designing your break for your future boss—what to do instead of chasing resume-worthy activities.17:30 – Final Thoughts: Center Yourself, Not Your JobKatrina’s closing message about why you deserve a break centered on you—not productivity, optics, or career milestones.19:53 – BreakSpace Community Call-OutFind your people! Katrina introduces BreakSpace, her career break coaching and community platform.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!Book a coaching session - https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.phpJoin the waitlist for the BreakSpace community - www.gobreakspace.com⁠Purchase Taking a Career Break for Dummies - https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/bookEmail - [email protected]