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Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Winging It Productions
Welcome to Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, a veteran career break coach and author of Taking a Career Break for Dummies. This is your go-to podcast for all things ‘career break’. Each week, we’ll break down insider strategies, create meaningful mindset shifts, and share real-life examples so you’ll feel clear and confident about taking a break. BreakSpace - www.gobreakspace.comSchedule a call with Katrina - https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.phpKatrina's book - https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/bookProduced by Winging It Productions - https://www.wingingitproductions.com
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- Today52 min
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 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
- 1 weeks ago27 min
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 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
- 2 weeks ago20 min
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 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
- 3 weeks ago26 min
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 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
- 4 weeks ago26 min
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 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
- May 13, 202625 min
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 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
- May 6, 202631 min
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 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
- Apr 29, 202628 min
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 your career.From economic uncertainty and job market fears to internal pressure and workplace guilt, they unpack why it always feels like the wrong time—and why that thinking is keeping you stuck.Katrina introduces the concept of PHOBO (Fear of Becoming Obsolete) and explains how this fear shows up both before and during a career break—often preventing people from fully committing to the change they need.You’ll learn why the “perfect moment” doesn’t exist, how your brain is wired to keep you in survival mode, and what it actually takes to create a good enough time to step away and reset your life.If you’ve been telling yourself “maybe next year” or “once things settle down,” this episode will challenge that narrative—and help you take your first real step toward a career break.RSVP for the 'Take a Break Without Falling Behind' Workshop: https://app.heartbeat.chat/breakspace/events/552F4A⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Why people keep delaying career breaks01:34 – Episode intro: “Why now is never the right time”03:30 – The real reason people don’t take breaks05:08 – PHOBO: Fear of Becoming Obsolete explained06:09 – Economic fear & the illusion of “bad timing”08:15 – Why the perfect time doesn’t exist10:23 – James’ personal struggle with timing & risk12:23 – The “worst time fallacy” mindset trap14:09 – Workplace guilt & fear of letting others down15:39 – Why the goalpost always keeps moving17:07 – The brain’s survival instinct vs thriving19:30 – Has life ever actually felt certain?21:26 – Planning vs procrastination: where’s the line?22:35 – Why you can’t predict the “right moment”23:05 – A powerful mindset shift for taking action24:56 – How fear keeps you stuck in survival mode25:43 – The reality of risk & taking the leap27:16 – When waiting becomes avoidance28:03 – Workshop + next stepsReady to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?📞Schedule a call with Katrina - https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - www.gobreakspace.com🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - https://www.wingingitproductions.com
About Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee
Welcome to Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, a veteran career break coach and author of Taking a Career Break for Dummies. This is your go-to podcast for all things ‘career break’. Each week, we’ll break down insider strategies, create meaningful mindset shifts, and share real-life examples so you’ll feel clear and confident about taking a break. BreakSpace - www.gobreakspace.comSchedule a call with Katrina - https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.phpKatrina's book - https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/bookProduced by Winging It Productions - https://www.wingingitproductions.com
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