Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee
Taking a Career Break is the podcast for mid-career professionals seeking a strategic break. If you’re burned out, considering a career change, or need extended time off, Break Expert Katrina McGhee shares her Break Blueprint© + other proven tools to help you exit the corporate grind safely. Learn to take an intentional break, rediscover your spark, and return to a life that’s 100x better—without sacrificing success.
Episodes
Announcing the BreakSpace Backstage Pass: Inside the Community with Katrina and Lyndall
Episode 80 - Announcing the BreakSpace Backstage Pass: Inside the Community with Katrina and LyndallIn this special crossover episode, Katrina welcomes special guest and business partner Lyndall Farley to announce the Breakspace Backstage Pass. The hosts introduce the podcast and dive into the inspiration behind creating a curated, two-hour immersive live event designed to open the doors to the Br
How to Evaluate a Career Break When You’re Close to FIRE
Episode 79 - How to Evaluate a Career Break When You’re Close to FIREAre you close to achieving your FIRE (Financially Independent, Retire Early) goals, but feeling completely burned out, exhausted, and ready to quit? You are not alone.In this episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina, career break and sabbatical coach Katrina McGhee and producer James Hammond dive into the intersection of the
Hitting the Career Break Wall? Don't Fall For This Midpoint Trap
Episode 78 - Hitting the Career Break Wall? Don't Fall For This Midpoint TrapFeeling the urge to pack it in and go back to work right in the middle of your career break? You aren't alone. In this episode, Katrina McGhee and James Hammond dive deep into the hidden "trapdoor" that trips up high achievers around the midpoint of their break.Once the initial bucket list items and big
Does a Career Break Mean You're Not Ambitious Anymore?
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
What 10 Life-Changing Sabbaticals Proved Wrong About Career Breaks
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
Summer Series #10 – From Survival Mode to World Travel: Nicole’s Family Career Break
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,
Summer Series #9 – Jessica Walked Away From a 60-Hour Week and Discovered a Whole New Life
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 encoun
Summer Series #8 - Elly Quit Her 20-Year Career and Discovered a Completely Different Life
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
Summer Series #7 - From Burned-Out School Counselor to Medical Interpreter in Guatemala | Heidi Leal's Career Break Story
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
Summers Series #6 - Kisha Left Without a Plan: The Career Break That Opened Unexpected Doors
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
Summer Series #5 - Henriette Left a Successful Corporate Career at 55 — And It Changed Everything
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 sha
Summer Series #4 - Karin Quit Her Job to Save Her Health—What Happened Next Will Inspire You
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
Summer Series #3 - From 3AM Panic to Peace: Jon's Career Break Transformation
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
Summer Series #2 - Juliana Left a Six-Figure Job to Finally Live Her Dream
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 caree
Summer Series #1 - Brittany Took a Sabbatical...Then Changed Her Entire Life
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 Bri
Do You Really Need a Coach for Your Career Break or Sabbatical?
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 t
Behind the Scenes of a Career Break Entrepreneur: Katrina McGhee’s 9-Year Journey
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 stor
The Hardest Parts of Taking a Career Break (And How to Get Through Them)
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 j
Start Living Your Career Break EARLY
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
7 Warning Signs You Need a Career Break (Before Burnout Takes Over)
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 disconnecte
The 8 Stages of a Career Break: Your Step-by-Step Sabbatical Roadmap
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 bre
How to Explain Your Career Break (Even When You Don’t Have All the Answers)
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 answer
The Hidden Cost of Staying in a Job Too Long
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 ac
Why You Should Stop Waiting for the “Right Time” to Take a Career Break (Fear of Falling Behind Explained)
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 you
Debunking Career Break Fears: What’s Really Holding You Back?
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 worryin
Should You Take a Leave of Absence Instead of Quitting? Pros & Cons Explained
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
Listener Question Episode - How to Pivot to Self-Employment on a Career Break? (And Other Questions)
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 emotio
The First Interview: Katrina McGhee & Lyndall Farley on Career Breaks, Sabbaticals & BreakSpace
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 fro
The Simple “Container” Hack to Stay Consistent on Your Career Break (Stop Procrastinating Today)
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
Podcast & Business Update: Career Break Trends, YouTube Launch & What’s Coming Next
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 o
The Hardest Step of a Career Break: How to Finally Decide to Take One
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 sabbatic
Having The Audacity to Take a Career Break: Why High Achievers Feel Guilty Resting (And Why You Shouldn’t)
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 qui
How to Start Your Career Break the Right Way (What to Do in Your First Week)
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 com
How To Overcome The Uncertainty Of Taking A Career Break
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.Kat
Why Job Searching Too Early Can Ruin Your Career Break
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 t
The 2-Minute Failure Fix: Celebrate Your Wins
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 mindse
From 3am Work Calls to a Life Rebuilt: A Career Break Client Success Story
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.
What If You’re Dreading Going Back to Work at the End of Your Career Break — and Don’t Know Why?
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 p
Revisiting Episode 21 - What Most Career Coaches Get WRONG About Career Breaks
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
Revisiting Episode 12 - Are You On A Career Break Or A Fake Break
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 peopl
Revisiting Episode 19 - Letting Go of Career Break Expectations: Why 3 Months Is the Magic Number
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:
Revisiting Episode 4 - Can You Afford A Career Break?
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 mon
The Future of Career Breaks in 2026: Trends, Data & Why More People Are Taking Sabbaticals
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
The 5 Essential Ground Rules for a Successful Career Break
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
BreakSpace Black Friday Sale Alert!
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 exper
There Were Signs: How We Learned to Break the Status Quo and Lessons in Courage, Authenticity, and Going Your Own Way
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
How to Build Your Break Blueprint: 5 Elements of a Successful Career Break
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 cl
I Might Get Bored… or Love It Too Much: Two Unexpected Career Break Fears
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
Finding Freedom: The Art of Balancing Structure and Spontaneity on a Career Break
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 w
When Nobody Supports Your Career Break (Do It Anyway!)
🎧 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
It’s Never Too Late to Take a Career Break: An Inspiring Story With Katrina
🎙️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
Escaping the 9-to-5: Proving Worth vs. Finding Devotion
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 ow
Katrina Reflects on BreakSpace: What 100+ Members Taught Us About Career Break Success
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 ha
Katrina Answers Your Questions on Career Breaks: Money, Mindset & Stigma
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
Career Break Mindset: Overcoming Guilt, Finding Joy & Redefining Success
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 hidde
The Cost of Waiting: A Powerful Story on Dreams Deferred and Why You Shouldn't Wait For Retirement
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
Sabbatical vs. Career Break: What Kind of Break Do You Need and For How Long?
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 absen
Burn the Bridge: The Mindset Shift You Need to Finally Take Your Career Break
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 thin
From $0 to $120K: What People Actually Spend on a Career Break
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
Career Break Travel Hacks: Bucket Lists, Upskilling Abroad & Phone Boundaries
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 you
Mixing It Up: Smart Ways to Keep Travel Fresh on Your Career Break
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 y
Why Routines Matter on a Career Break: Morning Wins, Bedtime Habits & Check-In Rituals
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 pl
Why Career Breaks Are the Key to Mental Health, Wellness & Radical Prioritization
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
When to Job Hunt on a Career Break: Timing Your Reentry Right
🎙 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
How to Overcome the Fear of Taking a Career Break: Mindset Shifts That Work
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 va
Key Components of Rest: How to Heal, Recharge, and Not Just Stay Busy
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 recal
Pre-Trip Planning for Career Breaks: How to Prepare for Life-Changing Travel
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 T
Why ‘Variation Creates Appreciation’—Essential Advice for Sabbatical Travel
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 embr
Learn How to Cope with Loneliness on a Career Break: Real Talk & Practical Tips
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 tak
How Asking Better Questions Can Transform Your Career Break Experience
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 Du
What Most Career Coaches Get WRONG About Career Breaks
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 J
How To Talk About Your Career Break.
🎙️ Episode 20 – How to Talk About Your Career Break📘 Hosted by James Hammond & Katrina McGhee, Career Break and Sabbatical CoachShow Summary:In this episode, Katrina McGhee, author of Taking a Career Break for Dummies and co-founder of BreakSpace, joins host James Hammond to dive deep into a challenge many career breakers face—how to talk about your career break confidently and authentically.
Letting Go of Career Break Expectations: Why 3 Months Is the Magic Number
🎙️ 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 car
How To Navigate The Ups and Downs of a Career Break
Episode 18 - How to navigate the ups and downs of a career breakIn this episode, career break coach Katrina McGhee and host James Hammond explore the complex journey of taking a career break. From the exhilarating highs of newfound freedom to the unexpected lows of self-doubt and life’s curveballs, they unpack it all. Katrina shares strategies to navigate these phases effectively, ensuring your br
Is It Crazy to Take a Second Career Break? Here’s Why It’s Not
🎙 Episode 17: Is It Time for a Second Career Break? Yes, and Here's WhyDescription:You took the leap once—and now you're thinking about doing it again. In this episode, host James Hammond and career break coach Katrina McGhee dive into the powerful (and totally normal) desire to take a second career break. Whether you're feeling burned out again, misaligned in your career path, or simp
Pain Tolerance & Career Breaks: How Much Can You Handle?
Episode Title: Pain Tolerance & Career Breaks: How Much Can You Handle?Show Notes:Are you stuck in grind culture, pushing through exhaustion, and ignoring the signs that your pain tolerance might be holding you back from taking a much-needed career break? Many professionals pride themselves on resilience, endurance, and mental toughness, but when does persistence turn into burnout? If you've e
Is It Selfish to Take a Career Break? The Truth About Rest & Renewal
Episode 15: Is It Selfish to Take a Career Break?🎙️ Featuring: Katrina McGhee & James HammondIs taking a break from work a selfish act, or is it actually one of the best things you can do for yourself—and those around you? In this episode, career break coach Katrina McGhee challenges the guilt and stigma surrounding sabbaticals. We dive into why so many professionals struggle with th
Smart Money Tips: How to Budget and Save for a Career Break
Episode 14 - Smart Money Tips: How to Budget and Save for a Career BreakEver dreamed of taking a career break but don’t know how to afford it? In this episode, we’re diving into smart money-saving strategies to help you fund your career break, sabbatical, or long-term travel—without financial stress.Katrina McGhee, a career break coach, shares how she saved $40,000 in just
Is Taking a Career Break a Privilege? The Truth About Career Breaks & Sabbaticals
🚀 Episode 13: Is Taking a Break a Privilege? 🚀In this thought-provoking episode, James Hammond and Katrina McGhee dive deep into the debate around career breaks. Is stepping away from work truly a privilege, or is it something anyone can achieve with the right mindset and planning?🎙 In This Episode, We Discuss:✅ Why career breaks are often seen as an exclusive lu
Are You on a Fake Career Break? 5 Signs You're Not Truly Taking Time Off
Episode 12: Are You on a Fake Career Break? 5 Signs You’re Not Truly Taking Time OffEpisode OverviewThink you’re on a break? Think again! In this episode, Katrina McGhee breaks down the five biggest signs that your career break might not be a real break at all. If you're still job searching, networking, or overscheduling your days—chances are, you’re on a fake break. Don’t let fear, guilt, or
