Why work for 40 years and only retire once? What if you could step away more than once—not to quit, but to live more fully and intentionally?

In this episode, author and host of Retire Often podcast, Jillian Johnsrud, joins me to share insights from her new book, Retire Often, which is now available for pre-order.

She introduces the powerful concept of mini retirements—intentional pauses from work that can lead to deep burnout recovery, personal growth, and a more fulfilling, values-aligned life.

What if you could take time off for family, health, travel, creativity, or simply to rest—without derailing your finances or career? Jillian has done just that, taking multiple mini retirements that not only helped her find balance and purpose, but also enhanced her career in the long run. Now, she’s helping others do the same through practical steps anyone can follow.

We explore how mini retirements aren’t about escape—they're a tool for healing, clarity, and even career development. Jillian shares how these breaks helped her recover from burnout, rebuild her health, and live more intentionally.

She emphasizes the importance of planning and practicing mini retirements to prepare for a fulfilling early retirement—and how our health, finances, and overall well-being are more connected than we think.

Whether you're feeling exhausted, curious about early retirement, or simply craving more freedom and balance—this conversation will inspire you to rethink what’s possible for your life and career.

Key Takeaways: 

Mini retirements can serve multiple purposes: rest, growth, healing, or transition.

Burnout recovery requires more than a weekend off—intentional rest matters.

Planning and practicing mini retirements prepares you for early or semi-retirement.

Health, money, and well-being are deeply connected.

You don’t have to wait for someday—practice living the life you want now.

Learn more about Retire Often and connect with Jillian: 

● Website: https://retireoften.com/ 
● Retire Often Book: https://retireoften.com/book/ 
● Book Purchasing Link: https://lnk.to/retireoften 
● Free Opt-In Worksheets:
○ Planning: https://retireoften.com/mini/ 
○ Negotiating: https://retireoften.com/onemonth/ 
● Workbook: https://retireoften.com/workbook/ 
● Group Coaching: https://retireoften.com/group-coaching/ 
Social Media:
○ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianjohnsrud/ 
○ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillianJohnsrud/ 
○ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-johnsrud/ 
○ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JillianJohnsrud   

Keywords: 

Retire Often, mini retirement, burnout recovery, sabbaticals, financial independence, early retirement, personal growth, well-being, career clarity, intentional living, physician associate, healthcare burnout, burnout in medicine, physician assistant, healthcare professional, healthcare provider, burnout recovery, financial independence community, financial independence retire early 

Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

Website / Blog: pathefiway.com

Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]