Summer Series #3 - From 3AM Panic to Peace: Jon's Career Break Transformation
In 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/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina
Timestamps
00:00 Jon describes life at breaking point
01:59 Introducing Jon and why this story matters
03:10 What life looked like before the career break
08:30 Finding Katrina through an unexpected recommendation
11:30 The emotional first coaching session
16:00 The fears that almost stopped Jon taking a break
17:50 Building a care team and prioritising mental health
20:00 Defining the purpose behind the career break
24:00 Why taking a break isn't selfish
27:30 The power of getting support
28:40 Learning to be present again
32:20 Creating a new life after burnout
34:30 Finding purpose working at Ronald McDonald House
36:50 Letting go of responsibility and control
42:50 How coaching changed Jon's life
47:00 What life looks like today
49:30 Jon's advice for anyone struggling with burnout
53:00 Final reflections
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
