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How To Navigate The Ups and Downs of a Career Break
Episode 18 - How to navigate the ups and downs of a career break
In 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 break becomes a transformative experience rather than a source of frustration.
Tune in to discover actionable tips, including Katrina’s Plan A and Plan B framework, the value of self-acceptance, and how to confront the parts of yourself that may be holding you back. Whether you're contemplating a break, currently on one, or returning from one, this episode is packed with insights to guide you through every stage.
What You’ll Learn:
The Emotional Landscape of a Career Break
Understanding the "mountain and valley" metaphor: The transition from a high-achieving lifestyle to the liminal space of self-discovery.
Why career breaks aren’t all sunshine and rainbows—and why that’s okay.
Practical Strategies for Navigating Challenges:
Plan A vs. Plan B Days: Structuring your time to honor both high-energy and low-energy days.
Meeting Yourself Where You Are: Tips for practicing self-acceptance during periods of rest or uncertainty.
Dealing with Setbacks:
Coping with unexpected challenges like grief, financial stress, or health crises during a break.
Recognising and addressing self-sabotaging behaviours, including over-scheduling or excessive people-pleasing.
Powerful Mindset Shifts:
Understanding “parts work” and using it to manage internal conflicts.
Why slowing down and embracing quiet moments can lead to personal breakthroughs.
Reconnecting with Purpose:
Avoiding distractions and busywork that detract from the meaningful aspects of your break.
Realigning your actions with the life and person you aspire to be.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro and episode overview
00:39 - Career breaks and the “first mountain, second mountain” metaphor
03:27 - Emotional highs and lows of breaks
05:23 - Burnout recovery isn’t linear
09:04 - Challenges like grief, health, and finances
11:00 - Plan A vs. Plan B days framework
14:45 - The journey of self-acceptance
18:40 - Parts work and managing internal conflicts
21:59 - Stop hiding and avoiding discomfort
24:51 - Aligned choices: hard yeses vs. easy nos
26:23 - Closing thoughts and next episode preview
26:52 - Call to action: Join BreakSpace
Key Quotes:
“Life doesn’t have rules; it’s always going to ‘life.’ Your career break isn’t exempt from that.” – Katrina McGhee
“A break removes layers of distraction and validation, giving you space to meet yourself as you are today.” – Katrina McGhee
“Stop hiding behind busywork and meet the challenge of being with yourself.” – James Hammond
Resources Mentioned:
BreakSpace Community: A supportive hub for career breakers and sabbatical takers. Visit BreakSpaceCrew.com.
Katrina’s Book: Taking a Career Break for Dummies.
Join the Conversation:
Have you experienced the ups and downs of a career break? Share your thoughts and questions on social media with #CareerBreakJourney.
This is a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity, rest, or a fresh start! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast wherever you tune in.
🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!
📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!
Book a coaching session - https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php
Join the waitlist for the BreakSpace community - www.gobreakspace.com
Purchase Taking a Career Break for Dummies - https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book
Email - [email protected]
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By Winging It Productions
5
1111 ratings
Episode 18 - How to navigate the ups and downs of a career break
In 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 break becomes a transformative experience rather than a source of frustration.
Tune in to discover actionable tips, including Katrina’s Plan A and Plan B framework, the value of self-acceptance, and how to confront the parts of yourself that may be holding you back. Whether you're contemplating a break, currently on one, or returning from one, this episode is packed with insights to guide you through every stage.
What You’ll Learn:
The Emotional Landscape of a Career Break
Understanding the "mountain and valley" metaphor: The transition from a high-achieving lifestyle to the liminal space of self-discovery.
Why career breaks aren’t all sunshine and rainbows—and why that’s okay.
Practical Strategies for Navigating Challenges:
Plan A vs. Plan B Days: Structuring your time to honor both high-energy and low-energy days.
Meeting Yourself Where You Are: Tips for practicing self-acceptance during periods of rest or uncertainty.
Dealing with Setbacks:
Coping with unexpected challenges like grief, financial stress, or health crises during a break.
Recognising and addressing self-sabotaging behaviours, including over-scheduling or excessive people-pleasing.
Powerful Mindset Shifts:
Understanding “parts work” and using it to manage internal conflicts.
Why slowing down and embracing quiet moments can lead to personal breakthroughs.
Reconnecting with Purpose:
Avoiding distractions and busywork that detract from the meaningful aspects of your break.
Realigning your actions with the life and person you aspire to be.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro and episode overview
00:39 - Career breaks and the “first mountain, second mountain” metaphor
03:27 - Emotional highs and lows of breaks
05:23 - Burnout recovery isn’t linear
09:04 - Challenges like grief, health, and finances
11:00 - Plan A vs. Plan B days framework
14:45 - The journey of self-acceptance
18:40 - Parts work and managing internal conflicts
21:59 - Stop hiding and avoiding discomfort
24:51 - Aligned choices: hard yeses vs. easy nos
26:23 - Closing thoughts and next episode preview
26:52 - Call to action: Join BreakSpace
Key Quotes:
“Life doesn’t have rules; it’s always going to ‘life.’ Your career break isn’t exempt from that.” – Katrina McGhee
“A break removes layers of distraction and validation, giving you space to meet yourself as you are today.” – Katrina McGhee
“Stop hiding behind busywork and meet the challenge of being with yourself.” – James Hammond
Resources Mentioned:
BreakSpace Community: A supportive hub for career breakers and sabbatical takers. Visit BreakSpaceCrew.com.
Katrina’s Book: Taking a Career Break for Dummies.
Join the Conversation:
Have you experienced the ups and downs of a career break? Share your thoughts and questions on social media with #CareerBreakJourney.
This is a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity, rest, or a fresh start! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast wherever you tune in.
🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!
📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!
Book a coaching session - https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php
Join the waitlist for the BreakSpace community - www.gobreakspace.com
Purchase Taking a Career Break for Dummies - https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book
Email - [email protected]