Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee

Epizode

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  Does a Career Break Mean You're Not Ambitious Anymore? 16.09.2026 22min

  Episode 77 - Does a Career Break Mean You're Not Ambitious Anymore?Are you worried that stepping away from the daily grind means losing your edge? In this episode of Taking a Career Break, hosts Katrina McGhee (career break and sabbatical coach) and James Hammond tackle a heavy stigma: the idea that taking a career break or sabbatical means you are no longer ambitious.Inspired by recent client discussions and a viral Substack reflection titled "I lost my ambition in Europe," Katrina and James unpack the traditional, work-centric definition of ambition and why it often leads to burnout. They explore the difference between ambition and motivation, discuss the societal pressure to tie your self-worth to a corporate ladder, and offer a powerful reframe.Tune in to discover why taking a career break isn't a sign of laziness—it's the ultimate act of being ambitious about your life, your well-being, and living a truly rich existence.Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: How a Substack newsletter sparked this episode's debate on losing ambition.01:42 – Welcome to the Show: Setting the stage for high achievers feeling burned out and ready for a change.03:44 – Is Not Being Ambitious a Bold Statement? Exploring different definitions of ambition.05:08 – The "Lost My Ambition in Europe" Insight: Unpacking why high-achievers feel a shift during sabbaticals.08:11 – Ambition vs. Motivation: What does Miriam Webster say about the true meaning of ambition?10:17 – BreakSpace Announcement: Your launchpad for a life-changing career break.12:06 – Why We Default to Work-Centric Ambition: The primitive drive for safety, status, and financial reward.14:58 – Is Being Unambitious Bad? Challenging the societal stigma of being "lazy" or "not driven."18:42 – The Ultimate Reframe: Becoming ambitious about life and living well, rather than just a career.21:11 – Why Taking a Career Break is Actually Hugely Ambitious.22:02 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up.Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com
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  What 10 Life-Changing Sabbaticals Proved Wrong About Career Breaks 09.09.2026 32min

  Episode 76 - What 10 Life-Changing Sabbaticals Proved Wrong About Career BreaksIn this episode, Katrina and James catch up after the summer break to reflect on the inspiring stories shared throughout the Summer Series. They dive deep into the 10 core beliefs and fears that almost stopped 10 high achievers from taking a sabbatical—and how their real-life experiences proved every single one of those beliefs wrong.From navigating the fear that "everything will collapse without me" to unlearning the idea that rest has to be earned, this episode recaps the biggest mindset shifts that make a career break truly life-changing. Plus, Katrina and James announce exciting new ways for listeners to get involved, including upcoming listener Q&A episodes and live on-air coaching opportunities!Key Takeaways & ResourcesHave a question for Katrina and James? Drop a comment on Spotify to be featured in an upcoming episode!Want 15–20 minutes of free live coaching with Katrina on air? Reach out to us via Spotify by leaving a comment or by visiting Katrina's websiteReady to plan your break instead of just dreaming about it? Book a free consult with Katrina: https://kmcgheecoaching.com/book-a-consultation🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps00:00 Welcome back & post-summer catch-up00:40 Podcast intro & framework recap01:35 Behind the scenes: Katrina’s stressful summer story03:25 James shares his summer health scare04:46 Reflecting on the success of the Summer Series07:16 How to submit your listener questions for a future episode08:57 Big announcement: Want to get coached live on the show?11:26 10 Beliefs That a Break Proved Wrong (Overview)12:54 Beliefs 1 & 2: "There's never a good time" & "It will all fall apart without me" (Britney & Jessica)15:00 Beliefs 3 & 4: "Taking a break is selfish" & "It's a childish dream" (John & Juliana)17:45 GoBreakSpace.com mid-roll18:21 Deep dive: Why society views playing and rest as "childish"21:15 Beliefs 5, 6, & 7: "Job is who I am," "I can't afford it," & "You don't quit a good job in your 50s" (Ellie, Karen, & Henriette)25:04 Beliefs 8, 9, & 10: Unlearning that rest must be earned & fear of returning to the same life (Keisha, Heidi, & Nicole)28:37 Key Takeaway: You can't think your way through a break31:02 Final thoughts & wrap-upReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com
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  Summer Series #10 – From Survival Mode to World Travel: Nicole’s Family Career Break 02.09.2026 1h 8min

  Summer Series #10 – From Survival Mode to World Travel: Nicole Starling’s Family Career BreakIn the final installment of the Summer Series, host Katrina McGhee sits down with Nicole Starling to explore the transformative power of taking an extended family sabbatical. After facing consecutive family losses, caregiver responsibilities, and corporate burnout, Nicole and her husband decided to pause, pivot, and take their two children on a world-schooling adventure.Nicole shares the raw reality of planning a global trip, overcoming deep-seated career and financial fears, and managing decision fatigue on the road. She also breaks down how stepping away allowed her family to reconnect, how her kids gained life-changing perspectives, and how she successfully re-entered the workforce—landing a promotion and a raise with her former employer.Episode TakeawaysBreaks don't have to be "earned"Rest and space are essential parts of the human lifecycle, not something you only get after burning out.Realized fears aren't total failuresReturning to your home state or former company doesn't mean you didn't grow; internal transformation changes how you experience your reality.Kids thrive in the ordinaryThe most meaningful memories from family travel often come from everyday interactions, local parks, and simple community connections—not expensive tourist attractions.Sabbaticals can enhance market valueStepping away gives you the clarity to recognize your professional worth and negotiate stronger compensation upon re-entry.Connect with Nicole on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unboundwithnicole/🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Life in survival mode, compounding grief, and feeling non-sustainable05:40 – Coming up for air and confronting the loss of identity in a high-achieving career10:59 – Facing core fears14:20 – The turning point17:08 – The logistics of preparing: Spreadsheets, school alignment, and 3 months' work notice20:30 – Defining the break's core purpose: Reconnecting, living with less, and cultural immersion22:28 – Diving in: The reality of early-stage culture shock and transitioning into homeschooling29:10 – Pivoting on the road: Celebrating major holidays across Mexico, Southeast Asia, and Europe34:28 – Overcoming decision fatigue and learning that there are no "wrong" choices38:20 – How vulnerability shifted family dynamics and brought the kids up as equals45:45 – Re-entry success51:00 – Looking back at pre-work reflections and realized vs. unrealized fears1:05:25 – Advice from Nicole’s kids on the magic of ordinary momentsReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com
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  Summer Series #9 – Jessica Walked Away From a 60-Hour Week and Discovered a Whole New Life 26.08.2026 55min

  Summer Series #9 – Jessica Walked Away From a 60-Hour Week and Discovered a Whole New LifeWhat happens when you're really good at your job, you're making a difference in the world, and yet you know deep down that the life you're living isn't good for you anymore?In this episode of the Summer Series, I talk to Jessica O'Neill about one of the most incredible career-break transformations I've encountered.Jessica had spent years building and leading a community food-access organisation in Western Massachusetts. As executive director, she was working 60–80 hrs a week, managing staff, writing grants, working with the board and carrying the weight of an organisation that meant an enormous amount to her. She was successful, but exhausted. The hardest part wasn't knowing she needed a change. It was letting go.Jessica feared that everything she'd built would fall apart if she stepped away. Through her work with me, she began to challenge those fears, create a concrete plan for her career break and ultimately give herself permission to choose herself.What happened next was far beyond what she could have predicted.During her break, Jessica travelled to England to study equine healing and communication, spent time with her twin sister in Italy, rediscovered writing and gardening, and most importantly, learned how to slow down, breathe and reclaim her own time. That experience eventually became the foundation for an entirely new career working with horses, combining equine energy work, communication, nutrition, plants and sound therapy into what Jessica and her twin sister developed as the TwinErgy Method.Follow Jessica - https://www.orchardbrookfarm.com/🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps00:00 – Jessica's incredible career-break transformation03:37 – Working 60–80 hours a week as an executive director05:46 – Knowing something had to change07:18 – The fear of walking away from everything she'd built09:35 – Leaving the organisation and finally taking the break16:45 – Saying no to six figures and choosing the unknown17:27 – The big goals Jessica achieved during her break21:01 – Recovering from burnout and learning to relax22:30 – Studying equine healing in England26:54 – Creating a holistic approach to healing horses29:24 – The TwinErgy Method33:00 – What Jessica's work with horses actually looks like38:56 – Learning to value your work and charge for it41:18 – The highs and challenges of taking a career break45:54 – The biggest impact of coaching50:17 – What Jessica would tell someone considering a career break51:37 – Saying yes to yourself and opening new doors53:56 – Where to find Jessica and her workReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com
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  Summer Series #8 - Elly Quit Her 20-Year Career and Discovered a Completely Different Life 19.08.2026 49min

  Summer Series #8 - Elly Quit Her 20-Year Career and Discovered a Completely Different LifeWhat happens when the career you spent 20 years building no longer feels like you?In this powerful episode of the Summer Series, Katrina sits down with Elly, a former Assistant Dean for International Programs at the University of Illinois, elected county board member, and lifelong high achiever who reached a breaking point. After years of managing teams, navigating bureaucracy, and pushing through burnout, she made a bold decision: quit her job without knowing what came next.Elly shares the emotional reality of leaving a respected career, the loss of professional identity, and the fear of what other people would think. She opens up about the struggle of learning how to rest, reclaiming mental space, and discovering that spaciousness can be just as uncomfortable as burnout.What began as a career break turned into something far more transformative. During the break, Elly deepened family relationships, became more engaged in local government, returned to writing, and ultimately made a life-changing decision she never expected: becoming a mother again at 44.This conversation is an honest look at uncertainty, reinvention, and the courage to choose a life that is aligned with who you are today, not who you were 20 years ago. If you’ve ever felt trapped in a successful career, questioned your identity outside of work, or wondered what might be possible if you finally gave yourself space to breathe, this episode will resonate deeply.Connect with Elly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellyhanauer/🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps00:00 Burnout behind a successful 20-year career02:45 Meet Elly: assistant dean, elected official, and overwhelmed high achiever07:12 When travel stopped being exciting and became a burden12:08 Choosing wellbeing over certainty and leaving without a plan14:39 The first weeks of freedom and the discomfort of too much space17:31 Learning to be instead of constantly doing20:02 Why it took months to truly decompress from work24:10 Searching for a new path through writing and public service27:21 The unexpected conversation that changed everything31:22 Becoming a stay-at-home mom and redefining success35:42 What Elly learned about risk, identity, and societal expectations40:11 The biggest impact of coaching during her career break45:27 The power of hearing other people’s stories48:02 Full circle: from podcast listener to podcast guestReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com
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  Summer Series #7 - From Burned-Out School Counselor to Medical Interpreter in Guatemala | Heidi Leal's Career Break Story 12.08.2026 1h 2min

  Summer Series #7 - From Burned-Out School Counselor to Medical Interpreter in Guatemala | Heidi Leal's Career Break StoryWhat happens when you walk away from a stable career without another job lined up?In this episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, Heidi Leal shares her remarkable journey from high school counselor to freelance medical interpreter in Guatemala. After more than 20 years in public education, Heidi knew she could no longer continue in a role that left her feeling exhausted and disconnected. She resigned without a clear next step, spent time in Guatemala, and began exploring what a different kind of life could look like.What followed was not a perfectly planned career pivot, but a series of experiments. Heidi tried selling handmade artisan products, creating travel itineraries, hosting Airbnb guests, and volunteering as an interpreter at a nonprofit hospital. Through those experiences, she discovered a skill that truly lit her up and eventually turned it into a flexible freelance business that gives her the freedom and autonomy she had been craving.Katrina and Heidi talk about the fear of leaving a secure salary and pension, the guilt many high achievers feel when taking time off, the importance of structure during a career break, and the surprising opportunities that appear when you create space to explore. Heidi also shares the mindset shifts that stayed with her long after coaching ended, including celebrating small wins, letting work be enjoyable, and learning that rest does not have to be earned.If you are considering a career break, feeling burned out in a long-term profession, or wondering how to pivot into something completely different, this conversation is full of practical insight and real-life encouragement.Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidileal/🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps00:00 Leaving a 20-year career in public education05:08 Resigning without another job lined up09:03 Discovering the idea of a career break through LinkedIn11:07 Why Heidi sought coaching and structure during her break15:36 Experimenting with a handmade artisan export business20:59 Airbnb hosting and discovering a love for creating experiences29:05 Volunteering as a medical interpreter in Guatemala33:30 Realizing interpreting could become a paid profession40:02 Building a freelance interpreting business for freedom and flexibility45:10 The biggest personal lessons from the career breakReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com
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  Summers Series #6 - Kisha Left Without a Plan: The Career Break That Opened Unexpected Doors 05.08.2026 56min

  Summer Series #6 - Kisha Left Without a Plan: The Career Break That Opened Unexpected DoorsKisha Ward loved her corporate career—until burnout caught up with her. After years of leading major projects, ERP implementations, mergers, and international supply chain work, she made the courageous decision to negotiate an exit without having another job lined up.In this episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, Kisha shares the fears that came with stepping away from a successful career, including losing her identity, disappointing others, and facing the uncertainty of what would come next.What started as a much-needed break became a complete reimagining of work and life. Kisha talks about learning to rest, letting go of constant productivity, rebuilding her relationship with money, and reconnecting with family, friends, health, and creativity.She also opens up about her writing journey—from struggling to start, to developing a consistent writing practice, to pursuing publication in the fast-growing romantasy genre. Along the way, an unexpected consulting opportunity found her, eventually allowing her to create a flexible lifestyle that combines high-level consulting with extended breaks dedicated to writing.This conversation is a powerful reminder that a career break is not always a step backwards. Sometimes it is the pause that creates space for a more aligned, creative, and fulfilling future.Follow Kisha's journeyhttps://www.instagram.com/my_umisayshttps://www.instagram.com/daradenningbooks🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps00:00 Burnout ended a job Kisha once loved03:55 Leaving a successful corporate career without a plan07:03 Fear, identity, and starting a career break11:18 The goals for the break: writing, health, rest, and relationships13:24 Learning to stop being productive all the time18:20 Changing her relationship with money21:40 Finding a writing flow and rediscovering creativity23:42 The consulting opportunity that unexpectedly found her26:43 Tripling her income after taking a break30:22 Pursuing writing seriously and entering the romantasy market36:56 Building confidence in uncertainty and creating a new way of working43:24 What her life and writing routine look like today48:34 The precap letter and seeing her future become reality51:48 Returning to the dream she had as a childReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com
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  Summer Series #5 - Henriette Left a Successful Corporate Career at 55 — And It Changed Everything 29.07.2026 1h 5min

  Summer Series #5 - Henriette Left a Successful Corporate Career at 55 — And It Changed EverythingHenriette was a successful engineering manager leading multiple corporate teams, but behind the achievements, she was exhausted, disconnected from herself, and asking a question many high achievers quietly carry: “Is this all there is to life?”In this inspiring Summer Series conversation, Henriette shares how she went from burnout and late-night tears to taking a fully intentional career break at the age of 55. Guided by a powerful vision she called Vision 60, she began redesigning her health, relationships, adventures, and future instead of simply escaping a demanding job.Katrina and Henriette explore the moment she realised work was crowding out the life she truly wanted, how she created a purpose-driven career break, and why she was surprised to discover she had more financial freedom than she thought. They also discuss the fears that almost stopped her, including the belief that you do not walk away from a well-paid corporate role and the uncertainty of re-entering the workforce later in life.During her break, Henriette filled her days with long walks, slow running, forest adventures, national park visits, family travel, and meaningful time with her husband, sons, grandchildren, and even her 80-year-old father. She also shares the unexpected joy of making new friendships and learning how to bring celebration and fun into ordinary life.The conversation takes a powerful turn when Henriette explains how she applied for a dream management role from a lake house while visiting family in the United States, despite not planning to return to work for several more months. What happened next challenged every fear she had about career breaks and re-entry after 50.This episode is a moving reminder that taking a career break is not about giving up ambition. It can be about coming back with more energy, better boundaries, clearer priorities, and a deeper sense of being fully alive.Email Henriette today with any questions you have: [email protected] 🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps00:00 – Burnout behind a successful career03:48 – “Is this all there is?”06:02 – Creating Vision 6009:09 – The breaking point13:40 – Choosing the career break16:40 – Financial clarity19:13 – Nature, health, and new habits21:57 – The final decision27:24 – The break begins31:00 – Family travel and unexpected opportunities33:00 – Running and reconnecting with herself35:59 – New friendships37:24 – Bringing joy into everyday life42:38 – Fear of re-entry45:08 – Applying for a dream job48:46 – Getting the job51:23 – Returning to work differently57:20 – What changed everythingReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com
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  Summer Series #4 - Karin Quit Her Job to Save Her Health—What Happened Next Will Inspire You 22.07.2026 56min

  Summer Series #4 - Karin Quit Her Job to Save Her Health—What Happened Next Will Inspire YouWhat happens when your body forces you to stop?In this inspiring episode of the Taking A Career Break Summer Series, Katrina McGhee sits down with Karin Holmberg to share the remarkable story of how a planned career break became a life-changing healing journey.After years of unexplained health issues, long working hours and mounting burnout, Karin reached a point where she could no longer ignore what her body was telling her. What started as a dream of taking a sabbatical soon became a necessity when she was diagnosed with Lyme disease, multiple co-infections and mould toxicity.Karin shares how early planning allowed her to take a two-year career break, why moving back in with her parents became the key to making it financially possible, and how trusting her intuition helped her navigate one unexpected twist after another.During her break, she immersed herself in learning about functional health, earned multiple certifications, launched her own practice and ultimately found a new definition of success—one that prioritises health, purpose and alignment over hustle.If you're wondering whether a career break could change your life, Karin's story is proof that one courageous decision can completely transform your future.Follow Karin's journey here - https://www.instagram.com/karinholmberg_fdnWant to start your journey? Book a free consult with Katrina here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps00:00 Karin's seven-year battle with mystery health issues02:05 Meet Karin and why her story matters03:25 The moment she realised something had to change06:00 Discovering the possibility of a career break07:40 The financial fears of taking two years off09:30 Planning early and finding creative ways to save14:30 Creating a purpose for the career break17:00 When her health suddenly collapsed19:00 Choosing to leave work and begin healing22:00 Learning everything about Lyme disease and recovery26:30 Becoming a functional health practitioner29:30 Returning to work after a two-year career break32:00 Starting a health coaching business38:00 Why she chose financial stability over full-time entrepreneurship43:00 Finding the right job after four years away45:00 Lessons about trusting your inner wisdom51:00 Looking back at the transformation53:30 Advice for anyone considering a career breakReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com
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  Summer Series #3 - From 3AM Panic to Peace: Jon's Career Break Transformation 15.07.2026 53min

  Summer Series #3 - From 3AM Panic to Peace: Jon's Career Break TransformationIn this incredibly moving episode of Taking A Career Break, Katrina sits down with former client Jon, who shares his deeply personal story of reaching breaking point after decades in the IT industry.For years, Jon lived under constant pressure, waking in the middle of the night worrying about work, carrying the weight of responsibility for his team, and believing that taking time away would be selfish. What followed was a journey that changed his life forever.Together, Jon and Katrina discuss the reality of severe burnout, why asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do, and how a career break became the catalyst for healing—not just professionally, but personally.Jon opens up about entering an intensive outpatient mental health program, working with a dedicated care team, confronting fears he'd spent years avoiding, and learning that success isn't measured by working harder—it's measured by building a life you actually want to live.Today, Jon has completely transformed his relationship with work. Instead of chasing promotions and constant pressure, he now works part-time at Ronald McDonald House, has embraced a simpler lifestyle with his wife, and has found a renewed sense of purpose, balance and peace.Whether you're feeling burned out, questioning your career, or simply wondering if there's another way to live, this conversation is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to choose yourself.If you've ever wondered whether taking a career break could change your life, Jon's story might be exactly what you need to hear.Want to start your journey? Book a free consult with Katrina here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps00:00 Jon describes life at breaking point01:59 Introducing Jon and why this story matters03:10 What life looked like before the career break08:30 Finding Katrina through an unexpected recommendation11:30 The emotional first coaching session16:00 The fears that almost stopped Jon taking a break17:50 Building a care team and prioritising mental health20:00 Defining the purpose behind the career break24:00 Why taking a break isn't selfish27:30 The power of getting support28:40 Learning to be present again32:20 Creating a new life after burnout34:30 Finding purpose working at Ronald McDonald House36:50 Letting go of responsibility and control42:50 How coaching changed Jon's life47:00 What life looks like today49:30 Jon's advice for anyone struggling with burnout53:00 Final reflectionsReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com
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  Summer Series #2 - Juliana Left a Six-Figure Job to Finally Live Her Dream 08.07.2026 1h

  Summer Series #2 - Juliana Left a Six-Figure Job to Finally Live Her DreamMany of us dream about taking a career break—but fear, security and other people's opinions often stop us before we ever begin.In Episode 2 of our Summer Series, Katrina sits down with former coaching client Juliana Moreira, whose career break journey proves that the biggest transformation isn't always changing careers—it's changing yourself.After spending two decades climbing the corporate ladder, Juliana found herself questioning whether the life she'd built was really the one she wanted. Faced with a company restructure, a six-figure salary she was afraid to leave behind, uncertainty from her partner, major surgery, and even a European trip during the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, every sign seemed to say "stay safe."Instead, she chose to trust herself.During her 15-month career break, Juliana travelled across Europe, embraced solo travel, explored spirituality, launched a personal blog, learned to slow down, and discovered a version of herself she'd hidden away during years in corporate life.What's most surprising is what happened next. Rather than leaving corporate forever, Juliana returned with new confidence, healthier boundaries, greater self-expression and a completely different relationship with work. Her career break didn't just change what she did—it changed who she became.If you're wondering whether a career break is possible for you, or you're waiting for the "perfect time," this honest conversation may be exactly what you need to hear.Please follow Juliana's journey here: globaljuliana.com/careerbreak  Want to start your journey? Book a free consult with Katrina here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps00:00 Why Juliana walked away from a six-figure corporate career02:00 Feeling burnt out after 20 years in corporate life05:20 The fears that almost stopped her taking a career break10:00 Finding confidence through coaching and community13:20 Four months of solo travel across Europe17:00 Learning the art of doing nothing20:00 Surgery, uncertainty and choosing to travel anyway23:30 The biggest highs and hardest moments of the break29:00 Finding confidence through vulnerability and self-expression33:00 Returning to work and redefining success39:20 The challenges of re-entering the job market44:00 Why she returned to corporate on her own terms46:30 Leadership, confidence and life after the career break51:00 How coaching changed everything57:40 Why your dreams deserve to be honouredReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com
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  Summer Series #1 - Brittany Took a Sabbatical...Then Changed Her Entire Life 01.07.2026 57min

  Welcome to the very first episode of our new Taking A Career Break Summer Series!Throughout this special series, Katrina sits down with former coaching clients who have taken courageous career breaks and sabbaticals to hear what really happened after they stepped away from work.Our first guest is Brittany Coleman, whose story is one of the most remarkable transformations we've ever shared.When Brittany began her sabbatical, she was exhausted after years of nonstop work in the nonprofit sector. Burnout had taken over, and she struggled with the idea of stepping away from a leadership role she believed couldn't function without her.But what began as a planned sabbatical quickly became something much bigger.Just weeks into her break, Brittany faced an unexpected divorce. Instead of returning to work as a distraction, she used her career break to reconnect with herself, discover new passions, build healthier boundaries, and completely redefine what success looked like.Today, Brittany runs her own consulting business, teaches pottery, works part-time in education, and has built a career around work she genuinely enjoys.Please follow Brittany's journey here: www.kelseystreet.comWant to start your journey? Book a free consult with Katrina here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠Timestamps00:00 – Brittany reflects on the burnout that led her to consider a sabbatical00:47 – Welcome to the first episode of the Summer Series02:07 – Meet Brittany Coleman and her career break journey03:10 – Life before her sabbatical: burnout, nonprofit leadership and exhaustion07:43 – The fears of stepping away from work10:18 – Creating a purpose for the sabbatical: putting herself at the centre of her life11:10 – Learning how to truly disconnect from work12:50 – The biggest highs and unexpected challenges of her sabbatical17:16 – Discovering pottery and finding a new creative outlet19:57 – Returning to work with healthier boundaries27:07 – Why Brittany decided to take a full career break34:57 – Turning pottery into a business40:10 – Building a consulting business through small experiments45:53 – Designing a career around work she genuinely enjoys48:19 – How coaching shaped both her sabbatical and career break50:36 – Looking back at her career break intentions53:53 – Brittany's advice for anyone thinking about taking a career break56:40 – Final reflections and where to connect with BrittanyReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com
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  Do You Really Need a Coach for Your Career Break or Sabbatical? 24.06.2026 45min

  Episode 75 - Do you really need a coach for your career break or sabbatical?In this milestone 75th episode of Taking A Career Break, Katrina and James tackle a question many aspiring career breakers ask themselves:Do I need a coach to take a successful career break?Katrina pulls back the curtain on what career break coaching actually looks like, sharing powerful client stories and explaining why the biggest challenges of a career break aren't the logistics—they're the mindset shifts, fears, identity changes, and self-doubt that happen along the way.You'll hear:✨ Why planning isn't the hardest part of taking a break✨ The hidden mindset traps that derail career breaks✨ A real-life example of someone who quit their break after seven weeks—and how they eventually transformed their life with support✨ What a career break coach actually does✨ How coaching combines practical planning with life-changing personal growth✨ Why giving yourself permission to rest can be so difficult✨ Signs that it might be time to get support on your career break journeyPlus, Katrina and James reveal an exciting announcement: the first-ever Taking A Career Break Summer Series, featuring real stories from ten past clients and their transformative break experiences.If you're dreaming about taking a break—or you're already on one and feeling stuck—this episode will help you understand that you don't have to figure it all out alone.🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠⁠Timestamps00:00 – A client story: when a career break goes wrong01:15 – Welcome to Episode 7502:06 – Do you need a coach for your career break?05:13 – The biggest mistake people make when going it alone09:43 – Why accountability matters10:12 – What happens when someone takes a break without support13:46 – What does a career break coach actually do?16:34 – The difference between career break coaching and life coaching21:24 – Introducing Break Space22:58 – Why long-term professionals often need support25:53 – What happens during a discovery call?27:57 – Why your purpose statement changes everything30:47 – Can friends and family help instead?31:07 – The importance of permission and self-worth33:22 – How to know if you're ready to work with a coach36:50 – How to get in touch with Katrina39:37 – Big announcement: the Summer Series is coming!42:41 – The first client story arrives on July 1st44:30 – Leave a review and let us know what you thinkReady 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
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  Behind the Scenes of a Career Break Entrepreneur: Katrina McGhee’s 9-Year Journey 17.06.2026 52min

  Episode 74 - Behind the Scenes of a Career Break Entrepreneur: Katrina McGhee’s 9-Year JourneyNine years ago, Katrina took a leap that made absolutely no sense on paper. She left behind a successful corporate career, launched a business helping people take career breaks, and stepped into a space that barely existed at the time.In this special behind-the-scenes episode, Katrina shares the real story of building a business around an unconventional idea. From being featured in Forbes just months after launching, to investing $15,000 in a partnership that didn't work out, to nearly shutting the business down before receiving a surprise book deal, this is an honest look at what entrepreneurship really looks like.We explore the challenges of self-trust, dealing with setbacks, finding your niche, and learning how success is often built through years of persistence rather than one breakthrough moment. Katrina also reflects on the lessons she's learned from coaching more than 200 career breaks, writing Taking a Career Break For Dummies, launching BreakSpace, and co-hosting this podcast.Whether you're dreaming of taking a career break, starting a business, making a major life change, or simply wondering if it's worth betting on yourself, this episode offers a candid look at what happens when you keep showing up despite the uncertainty.🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠⁠Timestamps00:00 Introduction and celebrating 9 years in business04:52 Launching a career break coaching business in 201707:31 The surprise Forbes feature11:51 A costly $15,000 business mistake18:13 Learning self-trust and staying true to your vision21:19 Quitting corporate, ending a relationship, and becoming a nomad26:30 Argentina, grief, and finding clarity29:17 COVID and recommitting to career breaks33:24 The rollercoaster of entrepreneurship34:55 Nearly closing the business before a book deal arrived39:29 How collaboration changed everything42:53 The best business year yet46:08 What Katrina would tell herself nine years ago47:57 The future of career breaks and sabbaticals51:49 Final reflections and closing thoughtsReady 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
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  The Hardest Parts of Taking a Career Break (And How to Get Through Them) 10.06.2026 27min

  Episode 73 - The Hardest Parts of Taking a Career Break (And How to Get Through Them)Taking a career break can be life-changing, but it's not always easy.In this episode of Taking a Career Break, Katrina and James break down the hardest parts of stepping away from work and explain why so many people struggle at the same points during their break journey.From making the decision to leave your job, navigating those final months before departure, dealing with burnout recovery, and figuring out what's next for your career, we explore the challenges that catch people by surprise.Katrina shares insights from coaching more than 200 career break clients and explains why many of these struggles are completely normal. We also discuss how to navigate uncertainty, build confidence in your decision, and approach re-entry into the workforce with clarity and purpose.If you're considering a career break, currently on one, or wondering what comes after burnout, this episode will help you understand what to expect and how to move through the difficult moments.🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠Timestamps00:00 Introduction01:24 The hardest parts of a career break02:26 Challenge #1: Making the decision and committing05:22 Challenge #2: The final sprint before leaving work10:04 Challenge #3: Why you still feel tired after 60 days12:28 Challenge #4: Realizing your burnout runs deeper than expected18:25 Challenge #5: Exploring new career possibilities23:47 Bonus Challenge: Re-entry and returning to work26:46 Final thoughts and resourcesReady 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
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  Start Living Your Career Break EARLY 03.06.2026 20min

  Episode 72 - How to Start Living Your Career Break Before You Quit Your JobWhat if you didn’t have to wait until your career break or sabbatical officially started to begin changing your life?In this episode of Taking a Career Break, Katrina and James explore the powerful idea of living your break life early. Through the story of one of Katrina’s coaching clients, they discuss how gaining clarity around your values, goals, and vision can create immediate momentum—even years before your planned break begins.The client in this episode was nearly two years away from leaving work, yet within just four weeks of creating a clear break vision, he had started building community, improving his health, spending more meaningful time with family, and creating a life that already reflected many of his career break goals.Whether you're actively planning a sabbatical, dreaming about taking time off work, or simply feeling stuck and burned out, this conversation shows why you don't need permission—or a future date on the calendar—to start designing a more fulfilling life today.🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina⁠Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and today's topic: living your break life early01:47 – Why some people start planning their career break years in advance02:23 – Katrina's philosophy: don't wait for your break to start living differently03:56 – The client story that inspired this episode05:48 – Testing a version of FIRE and designing a future break06:45 – Creating a clear break purpose and vision07:30 – The four themes that shaped the client's break plan08:23 – Why these themes resonate with so many career breakers10:30 – What happened after just one coaching session12:50 – Building community and meaningful connections13:30 – Creating healthier habits before taking a break14:13 – Prioritising family and showing up for what matters most15:55 – How clarity influenced relationships and intentional living16:28 – Why clarity creates momentum and action17:41 – Why it's never too early to start planning your break18:22 – The incredible progress made in just four weeks18:58 – Imagine what could happen in six months19:18 – Final thoughts and what's coming nextReady 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
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  7 Warning Signs You Need a Career Break (Before Burnout Takes Over) 27.05.2026 26min

  Episode 71 - 7 Warning Signs You Need a Career Break (Before Burnout Takes Over)Are you feeling burned out, emotionally drained, or questioning whether your career still fits the life you want? In this episode, James and Katrina unpack the seven warning signs that it may be time to step away from work and take a career break.From burnout and chronic stress to losing your spark, feeling disconnected from your purpose, and struggling to find balance in life, Katrina shares the most common signs she sees in high achievers who desperately need a reset. Together, James and Katrina discuss work-life balance, career misalignment, mental health, burnout recovery, rediscovering creativity, and why so many people ignore the warning signs for years before finally making a change.This episode is packed with honest conversations, practical insights, and powerful reminders that taking a career break, sabbatical, or reset is not quitting — it’s reclaiming control of your life.Whether you’re considering a sabbatical, feeling exhausted by corporate life, or simply wondering if there’s more to life than work, this episode will help you reflect on what you truly want and whether now is the time to make a change.🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode!💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast.📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear.❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change.▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrinaTimestamps00:00 – Introduction to the episode01:26 – The 7 warning signs you need a career break02:57 – Sign #1: Burnout, exhaustion & being overworked05:55 – Sign #2: Career misalignment & lack of fulfilment09:44 – Sign #3: Taking back control of your life11:28 – Sign #4: When work is impacting your mental & physical health14:28 – Break Space: Support for planning your career break15:18 – Sign #5: Feeling lost & needing clarity in life18:44 – Sign #6: Losing your spark, creativity & excitement for life22:14 – Sign #7: You simply want to take a break23:43 – Bonus sign: “It could be worse” becomes your mindset25:31 – Final thoughts & where to connect with KatrinaReady 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
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  The 8 Stages of a Career Break: Your Step-by-Step Sabbatical Roadmap 20.05.2026 26min

  Episode 70 - The 8 Stages of a Career Break: Your Step-by-Step Sabbatical RoadmapIn this episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, Katrina and James break down the complete 8-stage career break journey and explore what it really takes to move from burnout and overwhelm to a more intentional and fulfilling life.The conversation walks through the three major phases of taking a career break: before the break, during the break, and life after the break. Katrina shares her proven framework that has helped hundreds of people navigate sabbaticals, career breaks, and major life transitions with more clarity and confidence.The episode explores the importance of dreaming before making the leap, how to decide if a career break is truly the right move, and why intentional planning can completely shape the experience. Katrina also discusses the emotional side of stepping away from work, the reality of decompression, and how people can reconnect with who they truly are outside of their careers.Later in the episode, the focus shifts to reentry after a break, how to confidently return to work without losing the personal growth gained during time away, and how to build a healthier sense of work-life harmony moving forward.For anyone considering a career break, feeling burned out in their current role, or wondering whether a sabbatical could help reset their life and career, this episode provides a practical roadmap to understand the different stages of the journey and what comes next.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to the 8 stages of a career break01:32 – Why this roadmap was created05:30 – Phase 1: Before the break06:00 – Stage 1: Dreaming about what’s possible08:27 – Stage 2: Making the decision to take a break10:30 – Stage 3: Planning your career break blueprint13:15 – Stage 4: Organizing logistics and giving notice15:18 – Phase 2: During the break15:47 – Stage 5: Starting your break and decompressing18:01 – Stage 6: Fully living into your break19:16 – Dealing with boredom and spaciousness during a break22:28 – Phase 3: Life after the break22:55 – Stage 7: Reentering work with confidence24:16 – Stage 8: Integrating your new lifestyle and habits25:25 – Final reflections on the career break journeyReady 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
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  How to Explain Your Career Break (Even When You Don’t Have All the Answers) 13.05.2026 25min

  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
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  The Hidden Cost of Staying in a Job Too Long 06.05.2026 31min

  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